How Long Is the Great Wall of China? 21,196 km & Surprising Facts
Quick Answer: How Long Is the Great Wall?
The Great Wall of China’s official total length is 21,196.18 kilometers (13,170.7 miles). This includes:
- Man-made walls: 6,259 km (3,889 miles)
- Trenches: 359 km (223 miles)
- Natural barriers: 14,578 km (9,058 miles)
Fun Fact: It’s 53% of Earth’s equator length (40,075 km).Imagine wrapping half the planet with a wall!
Why Do People Think It’s Shorter?
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Hidden Ruins
Over 30% of the wall is collapsed or buried. Modern tools like drones and satellites mapped these lost sections.
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Myths
The name “10,000-Li Wall” (5,000 km) in Chinese refers to its symbolic importance, not real length.
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Old Measurements
Pre-2012 studies only counted visible walls, missing trenches and natural defenses.
5 Shocking Facts About the Great Wall
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Built with Sticky Rice
Ming Dynasty builders mixed rice flour into mortar for extra strength. -
Not Visible from Space
Astronauts like Neil Armstrong confirmed you can’t see it with the naked eye. -
World’s Longest Cemetery
Over 1 million workers died building it—many were buried inside. -
2,000+ Years to Build
Construction started in 7th century BCE and continued until the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644). -
Only 8% Remains Intact
Most of the wall is damaged by erosion, tourism, or farming.
Top Sections to Visit
For Beginners
Mutianyu (near Beijing) has easy hikes and cable cars.
Adventurers
Hike Jiankou’s “Wild Wall” for rugged, photo-worthy ruins.
History Lovers
Jiayuguan Pass in Gansu marks the wall’s western end.
Pro Tip
Avoid crowds by visiting in April-May or September-October.
FAQs About the Great Wall
Q:How old is the Great Wall?
A: The oldest parts are 2,700+ years old! Most famous sections (like Badaling) were rebuilt 600 years ago.
Q: Can you walk the entire wall?
A: No—it’s too fragmented. The longest walkable stretch is ~500 km (310 miles).
Q: Did it stop invaders?
A: It slowed enemies like the Mongols but wasn’t unbreakable. Watchtowers helped soldiers send smoke signals.