10 Interesting Facts You Might Not Know About the Great Wall of China

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Edgar Loper

Updated: 26 May 2026 ·
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10 Interesting Facts You Might Not Know About the Great Wall of China

  1. The ancient Chinese fortification was built between the 5th century BC and the 16th century AD, but it wasn't until 1987 that it was included on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
The thousands of kilometers that can still be traversed is a once-in-a-lifetime experience
photo by viajar.elperiodico.com
  1. It's hard to imagine how massive this impressive monument has become, but at its peak, it reached 21,000 kilometers. Today, only a third of it remains standing.
  1. Millions of people visit this military defense project each year, and in 2019, the Badaling section alone saw over 65,000 visitors each day.
Dozens of statues decorate the towering walls of the wall
Dozens of statues decorate the towering walls of the wall photo by viajar.elperiodico.com
  1. This construction spans 15 provinces and regions in northern China, from the city of Jiayuguan to Dandong.
  1. The monument has had up to 24,000 towers.
During the winter months, snow covers some areas of the Great Wall
During the winter months, snow covers some areas of the Great Wall photo by viajar.elperiodico.com
  1. In 1957, the first section of the Great Wall, Badaling, was opened to the public.
  1. The Jade Gate, built around 111 BC during the Han dynasty, measured 24 meters wide. It is located west of Dunhuang in the current Gansu province and is named so because jade products passed through it.
Millions of people traverse this impressive monument each year
Millions of people traverse this impressive monument each year photo by viajar.elperiodico.com
  1. More than 20 dynasties were involved in the construction of the wall.
  1. In Shanhaiguan, we find the last accessible point of the Great Wall; it is the easternmost section of the fortress, and every day, water seeps into the enclosure. A sort of theme park has been included.
The Jiayu Pass awaits in front of China's stunning mountains
The Jiayu Pass awaits in front of China's stunning mountains photo by viajar.elperiodico.com
  1. Some sections of the wall are built on slopes with an incline of up to 45 degrees.
Fog also covers large areas of the long paths of the wall
Fog also covers large areas of the long paths of the wall photo by viajar.elperiodico.com
  1. Extra curiosity: It took over 2,500 years to finish building and rebuilding this impressive monument, with the first section constructed more than 2,700 years ago.

There are 4 sections of the Great Wall that are the most visited:

  • Mutianyu, located about 70 km northwest of Beijing, features a cable car, a chairlift, and a fun toboggan ride for visitors to slide down.
  • Badaling, next to which there is a museum that tells the history of the wall.
  • Jinshanling, where a complete defensive system with battlements, watchtowers, and shooting holes is preserved...
The boldest dare to explore the most difficult areas to traverse
The boldest dare to explore the most difficult areas to traverse photo by viajar.elperiodico.com
  • Simatai, which partially maintains its original appearance.

Celebrities from all corners of the planet have been amazed by the imposing wall; many of them have commented over the years about their impressions and the impact it has left on them.

Barack Obama, politician

"The Great Wall is magic. It reminds you of the course of history and that our time here on earth is not that long. We better make the most of it."

Olivia Newton-John, actress

"Walking the Great Wall of China was really challenging for me. Once I completed some sections, it felt incredible, but when we crossed the finish line, it was incredibly emotional and I started to cry."

W. Somerset Maugham, writer

"There, in the fog, enormous, majestic, silent, and terrifying stood the Great Wall of China."

Mao Zedong, politician

"He who has not been to the Great Wall of China is not a true man."