Great Wall of China Facts for Kids

The Great Wall of China is the longest wall in the world and one of the greatest manmade constructions in the history of humankind.  The huge construction was built by various dynasties of China over thousands of years and has become one of the biggest tourist attractions on earth. Millions of people visit this famous landmark every year to view its architecture and trek along some of the remaining walls which still exist today.

Factsmania has covered some of the most important information and interesting facts about the Great Wall of China for Kids with details and important information about the architectural marvel which has officially being made one of the Seven New Wonders of the World. Discover interesting facts for kids including when this manmade landmark was built, how it was constructed and what it is made from.

Interesting Great Wall of China Facts for Kids:- Our printable fact sheet about the Great Wall of China provides important information and facts for school kids and teachers. Our list of fun facts about the Great Wall of China offers ideal homework help or a useful information guide to this amazing landmark whose structure has become a huge part of China's history and culture. Did you know that the Great Wall of China cannot be seen from space? Did you know that its structure is not unbroken? Did you know that it is in fact, one of the Seven Wonders of the New World?

Interesting Great Wall of China Facts for Kids:- Our free list of Interesting Great Wall of China Facts for Kids is easy to print and includes important facts and information about the Great Wall of China including its original purpose, where it starts and ends, which emperor demanded that its fortifications be joined together in order to create a powerful defense against potential invaders.

Interesting Great Wall of China Facts for Kids

The Great Wall of China Fact File for Kids:- Construction Dates Facts: The Ming Wall was built and completed between 1368 to 1644 *** Official Name Facts: The name of the Great Wall of China has been known by other names throughout history including the Ten-Thousand-Mile Long Wall (Wan-Li Qang-Qeng), and The Chinese Wall *** Location Facts: The Great Wall of China is located in the East and West, it passes through various areas of the country including Liaoning, Jilin, Hebei, Beijing, Tianjin, Shanxi, Inner Mongolia, Shaanxi, Ningxia, Gansu and Qinghai to Jiayuguan Pass *** Length Facts: The length of the Great Wall of China is approximately 8,850km (5,500 miles) *** Unusual Facts: The Great Wall of China, contrary to belief, is not in fact visible from space!

Interesting Facts for Kids 1:- What does the Great Wall of China look like?
The Great Wall of China is the longest wall in the world. The oldest parts of the structure were originally made from earth and gravel and date back to the 5th and 3rd centuries BC. Over the course of history, the Great Wall of China has been strengthened and extended. Standing at 7.6 meters at the highest points of the structure, and 4 to 9 meters at the widest, the Great Wall of China became one of the most incredible military defenses in the history of mankind. The country's defense was strengthened by the watchtowers and barracks of the Great Wall of China which are incorporated along its steep winding paths.

Interesting Facts for Kids 2:- Where is the Great Wall of China located?
The Great Wall of China was built in an arc from east to west, its structure begins in Shanhaiguan in Hebei province and ends at Jiayuguan in Gansu province. It passes through various areas of the country including Liaoning, Jilin, Hebei, Beijing, Tianjin, Shanxi, Inner Mongolia, Shaanxi, Ningxia, Gansu and Qinghai to Jiayuguan Pass.

Interesting Facts for Kids 3:- What is the history of the Great Wall of China?
The Great Wall of China was not built entirely during any one period in history. Many of the ancient walls have since disappeared but it is believed that the earliest constructions began during the 5th and 3th centuries BC, where fortifications were built from gravel and earth in order to protect land borders and empires during disputes between the Qi, Yan and Zhao states. When China became united in 221 BC, the ruler of the Qin Dynasty, Qin Shi Huang, ordered the dividing walls to be destroyed and any part that formed a defense against northern Xiongnu to be continued in order to extend and join the defending walls. The people of China continued to build, shape and repair the walls over the coming centuries, leading to the Ming dynasty, when the most famous sections of the Great Wall of China were built between 1368-1644.

Interesting Facts for Kids 4:- Why was the Great Wall of China built?
The purpose of the Great Wall of China was initially to protect states and empires against potential attacks and invasions by nomadic tribes. Its strategic construction has, however, provided other great purposes. The Great Wall of China formed part of the Silk Road which provided a network of trade routes during ancient times. The Silk Road provided a trade route through Asian regions, and linked areas of West and East China and India to the Mediterranean Sea. The Great Wall of China provided a section of this journey which ensured safety and protection of trade products.

Interesting Facts for Kids 5:- When was the Great Wall of China built and finished?
The first construction of The Great Wall of China dates back to early as the 5th and 3rd centuries BC. It was built over hundreds of year and is still maintained today. The Ming Wall forms part of the Great Wall of China which is mainly still in existence today. It was built during the Ming Dynasty which was the ruling dynasty of China from 1368 to 1644. This part of the wall has been maintained, rebuilt and developed where necessary.

Interesting Facts for Kids 6:- How long is the Great Wall of China?
The length of the Ming Wall is approximately 8,850km (5,500 miles) - this consists of the most famous sections of the Great Wall of China which is still in existence today and is visited by millions of tourists from countries across the world. The total length of the original wall, including all its branches, would have measured more than 20,000km.

Interesting Facts for Kids 7:- How tall is the Great Wall of China?
The height of the Great Wall of China measures up to 25ft (7.6 meters) high in places. The tallest parts of the structure were constructed from brick, stone and other long-lasting and strong materials during the Ming Dynasty which occurred from 1368 to 1644.

Interesting Facts for Kids 8:- What is the Great Wall of China made of?
The earliest sections of the Great Wall of China were built from gravel, stones, wood and compacted earth. As time went on, stronger and more durable materials were introduced such as lime, tiles and bricks.

Interesting Facts for Kids 9:- Who made the Great Wall of China ?
The Great Wall was built by the people of China including soldiers, ordinary people and criminals who began creating the structure of this remarkable manmade achievement in stages from the 5th century BC. What remains of the wall today, was built mainly by the people of the Ming Era between 1368 to 1644.

Interesting Facts for Kids 10:- What was the purpose of the Great Wall of China and why is it important?
The Great Wall of China is important as what originally began as a border between lands, eventually became one of China's greatest military structures and defenses. After China was united, the centuries that followed saw the original fortifications being extended and joined in order to form a powerful defense. The Great Wall of China featured watchtowers, barracks and stations along its length which were used to strengthen the military's defense against potential attacks. Signal towers were built at the highest points of the walls to allow communication and optimum observation.

Interesting Facts for Kids 11:-  How wide is the Great Wall of China?
The width of the Great wall of China measures up to 13-30ft (4-9 meters) wide in certain sections. The widest points of the structure were built during the Ming Dynasty.

Interesting Facts for Kids 14:- Is the Great Wall of China continuous?
The Great Wall of China stretches across many different types of terrain including mountains, grassland and desert. It is not continuous as it breaks off at certain points, such as trenches and rivers, as man was unable to continue its structure.

Interesting Facts for Kids 15:- Is the Great Wall of China one of the Wonders of the World?
The Great Wall of China is officially categorized as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Steeped in history, this remarkable achievement by mankind has become part of China's culture. Surrounded by myths and legends, it has become part of the country's identity. The Great Wall of China is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Interesting Facts for Kids 16:-  How long does it take to walk the Great Wall of China?
Tourists can discover and explore the Great Wall of China by actually walking the walls which twist and wind through various terrain and mountainous regions. The walk is subject to steep, and sometimes slippery, sections of the incredible structure. Beginning in Badaling, the trek can be vigorous as not all parts of the Great Wall of China have been rebuilt and maintained, the deterioration of some sections has resulted in bricks becoming loose and crumbling away, and therefore, being dangerous for trekkers in some parts.

Interesting Facts for Kids 17:- Is the Great Wall of China the longest wall in the world?
The Great Wall of China is the longest wall ever built in the history of the world. Taking centuries to built, the length which incorporates the original structure is thought to measure more than 20,000km long!

Interesting Facts for Kids 18:-  How many tourists visit the Great Wall of China each year?
The Great Wall of China is one the most incredible achievements of man in the history of the world. The famous landmark has become one of the most popular tourist attractions in the world. Millions of tourist travel to China every year to witness, explore and walk the Great Wall of China, one of the New Wonders of the World! One of the most popular sections of the Great Wall of China is the located at Badaling, approximately 80km (50 miles) from Beijing.

Interesting Facts for Kids 19:-  Can the Great Wall of China be seen from Space?
Contrary to popular belief, the Great Wall of China cannot be seen from space. The concept is merely a myth. Although the manmade structure is the longest wall in the world, it cannot be seen by the unaided eye, not even in low Earth orbit, and neither can it be seen from the Moon.

Interesting Facts for Kids 20:-  What is the Great Wall of China called in Chinese?
The Great Wall of China is known by the name 'Wan-Li Qang-Qeng' in Chinese. This name means 10,000-Li Long Wall in English. The measurement of 10,000Li equates to approximately 5,000km.

Interesting Great Wall of China Facts for Kids