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Construction of the Great Wall lasted for more than 2,000 years, from the state of Chu in the seventh century B.C. to the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) and it ran through more than 20 feudal kingdoms and states ruled by dukes or princes. During the Qin, Han and Ming dynasties there was considerable construction with more than 5,000 kilometers built. If all the sections built in various historical periods were put together the Great Wall would be more than 50,000 kilometers long. If building a wall, which is one meter thick and five meters high with the earth and stones of the Great Wall, the wall can circle the earth. The Great Wall was listed as a world cultural heritage site in 1987.

Much of the Great Wall is like a high city wall stretching thousands of kilometers following and crossing the highest mountain peaks. Along its length there are some 100 passes and tens of thousands of watch and beacon towers. These structures and the undulating topography that the wall traverses add to its wonder. The section in Beijing's Badaling is strong and intact and is a good place to enjoy, there are also interesting sections in Jinshanling, Mutianyu, Simatai and Gubeikou. Other well known and popular spots along the wall are the Huangya Pass in Tianjin, Shanhai Pass in Heibei Province and Jiayu Pass in Gansu Province. The Great Wall is a bridge that links the Chinese people with people from other countries and regions.

Included in the UNESCO world heritage list in 1987.