OtterKnow Kids Encyclopedia

The Great Wall of China is the longest wall ever built. It stretches about 13,000 miles across northern China. That is long enough to go halfway around the Earth! People started building it more than 2,000 years ago to protect China from invaders.

The wall is made of stone, brick, dirt, and wood. In most places, it is about 20 to 25 feet tall and wide enough for five horses to walk side by side on top. Watchtowers were built every few hundred feet so guards could look out for danger.

The Great Wall of China is in northern China. The most famous part is called Badaling, which is about 40 miles northwest of Beijing, China’s capital city.

• Millions of workers helped build the wall over many centuries.

• Different rulers kept adding new sections.

• Today, some parts are crumbling, but many sections have been fixed up so visitors can walk along the top and enjoy the beautiful mountain views.

• The Great Wall is one of the most famous landmarks in the world!