The largest, oldest and the most celebrated man-made marvel, The history of the Great Wall of China fascinates all. Children read about it in their school books and history-lover travelers make sure to add it in their bucketlist. But there are still certain facts and information about the Great Wall of China, we are sure that you don’t know. Read on to know more!
History of the Wall: The construction of this wall of China took more than 1800 years. While it began under the Qin Dynasty, the distinct segments that are visible till date are mostly the work of Ming Dynasty. It is prevalent misconception that this wall is an uninterrupted structure. Rather, it would be more appropriate to describe the Great Wall of China as a 20,000-Kilometer network of walls.
Yes! You read it right. It was among the regular duties of the convicted criminals to take part in the construction, surveillance and maintenance of the Great Wall. For differentiating criminals from civilians, the authorities would blacken their faces, shave their heads and chain their limbs.
It is more than obvious that any sort of construction would require building materials like stone and earth. What’s most interesting information about the Great Wall is, the construction incorporated the use of glutinous rice a.k.a sticky rice. Do you now realize what makes this wall so strong?
Even though the present stretch of the Great Wall is extremely impressive, the surviving elements extend to tremendous 13,171 miles, which is quite a decrease from its peak length during the Ming Dynasty. It might come as a surprise but almost one-third of the construction no longer remains.
What? Why? When? Yes! Whatever you have heard about the Great Wall of China’s visibility from space was a mere exaggeration. The myth about the visibility got a boost through Henry Norman’s book, The Peoples and Politics of the Far East and also because of 1932 cartoon strip from Ripley’s Believe It or Not! On the other hand, Neil Armstrong claimed that this wall was by no means visible from space.
With travelers shifting their interest from historical monuments to more peppy destinations, knowing the unknown will surely revive the interest and make people appreciate this marvel. So head on to The Great Wall Of China!
Pagodas in China are the symbols of the essence of Buddhism in China and the representatives of the extensive Chinese history and culture. Famous Pagodas in China are the magnets that pull a huge number of visitors every year.
China as a nation and a potential economy is growing at an unprecedented pace thereby making its presence felt in the international arena in a way like never before. At the same time, the significance of China as an ancient civilization with rich cultural heritage is also something the world community takes a prominent note of. An extended history with myriad dynasties and invasions wedded to a colorful spectrum of an endless list of artistic and traditional nuances make China a traveler's favorite, not to speak of the matchless natural landscape. Speaking of the cultural bequests of this mystic land, one thing that over powers others is the essence of Buddhism in China And, Buddhism comes along with the monasteries and pagodas which are unmistakably the symbols of this faith. Be what it may, being a hub of Buddhist faith, China also, quite obviously, is home to some amazing Buddhist temples and monasteries.
We all know about it. But how many of us has been a part of the cultivation session of the different types of martial arts in China? Do you know how the students are groomed to be the most finest of combat performers? It is time to explore the nuances of the Chinese combat arts in its truest essence...
