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Ah, the Great Wall of China. That stone serpent that undulates over the mountains like a lazy dragon. We've heard about it since elementary school, we've seen it on postcards, documentaries, and even in some action movies (spoiler: no, it wasn't built to stop giant monsters). But one question remains: How long is this famous wall ? Can you really see it from the Moon? Is it so long you could run a marathon on it... or 10?
Spoiler alert: it's much longer than you think. So, put on your walking shoes, we're off on a little trip full of numbers and anecdotes. And don't worry, we'll keep it fun and stress-free!
The short answer? The Great Wall of China is about 21,196 kilometers long . Yes, you read that right. Twenty-one thousand kilometers. That's almost twice the length of the equator of the planet Mars . (Okay, not quite, but it's a bit of a mouthful.)
And for those who like to compare: if you put all the motorways in France end to end, you would still be far from the mark.
This figure was established in 2012 by an official study conducted by the National Administration of Cultural Heritage of China. This length takes into account all known sections, including the main walls, trenches, natural barriers (mountains, rivers) used for defensive purposes, and ancillary structures (watchtowers, garrisons, etc.), sometimes still highlighted today by symbolic elements such as Chinese lanterns during cultural events.
But be careful, not everything was built in one piece or at the same time, which makes this monument even more fascinating.
Building a 21,196 km wall is not the story of a summer. Or even a decade. We are talking here about more than 2,000 years of effort , with interruptions, renovations, extensions - in short, a true historical saga .
It all began around the 3rd century BC, when Emperor Qin Shi Huang decided to connect several existing fortifications to protect his kingdom from invaders from the north. This was the beginning of what is commonly called “the Great Wall.”
But in reality, dozens of Chinese dynasties have contributed their two cents. Some added portions, others left them untouched. The result: the current wall is a giant patchwork, like a sweater knitted by generations.
Contrary to what one might think, the wall does not form an uninterrupted barrier . It is not a medieval castle-style enclosure wall. Rather, it is a series of segments , adapted to the terrain, which extend in different directions according to defensive needs.
Some sections are very well preserved, especially near Beijing (hello Mutianyu and Badaling!), while others are in ruins, swallowed by the desert or covered by vegetation. There are even places where only a few stones remain, as if time had taken care of sorting them out.
Let's not kid ourselves, 21,196 km is a long way to tell your neighbors to "stay home." But at the time, threats came from all sides: nomadic peoples, foreign invaders, and sometimes even... internal tensions.
The wall served several purposes: to curb incursions, monitor movement, act as a deterrent, and, symbolically, demonstrate the empire's power. A kind of oversized business card, if you will. Just like the Chinese lamps that lit the empire's paths, the wall served as a guide, a protection, and a testament to the grandeur of a civilization.
This incorporates the " Chinese Lamps " while retaining the idea and meaning of the initial paragraph.
Contrary to popular belief, the wall was not simply there to block the enemy. It also served to channel trade routes , control population flows and quickly transmit messages thanks to its watchtowers, which formed a rudimentary warning network (fires, smoke signals, etc.).
Imagine the mess: transporting tons of stones, bricks, and earth , without bulldozers or trucks, across mountains, arid plains, forests... And this, for centuries. Hundreds of thousands of workers were mobilized, sometimes forced, sometimes voluntarily, often in difficult conditions. A gigantic, sometimes tragic task.
It's a question we hear a lot, and it's time to answer it once and for all: no , you can't see the wall from the Moon with the naked eye . Sorry to break the myth.
This misconception has been circulating for decades, but it has been disproven by several astronauts. From the International Space Station (about 400 km above sea level), with binoculars or perfect conditions, you can see certain sections, especially the renovated ones. But with the naked eye from the Moon? Nothing.
That said, the Great Wall remains a powerful symbol: it is the fruit of an incredible collective effort , visible not so much from space, but in the cultural landscape of humanity.
Do you really want to see it? No need to hop on a rocket, a ticket to China will do. And if you're the adventurous type, here are some essential steps to discover its many faces, a bit like a Chinese paper ball , delicate and full of surprises."
This retains the idea of adventure and discovery while incorporating the image of the Chinese paper ball in a poetic way.
This is the most visited section, the one that's regularly maintained, equipped with cable cars and snack bars (yes, really). Easily accessible from Beijing, it attracts millions of visitors each year.
Less crowded than Badaling, but just as impressive. With its trees and unobstructed views, it's a good compromise between nature and history.
Looking for something rustic, authentic, with walls that creak underfoot? This unrestored section is for you. Be careful, it's a steep climb!
This is where the wall “begins” or “ends,” depending on your perspective. Located in Gansu Province, it marks the historical border between China and the western lands.
Even at 21,196 km, the Great Wall is not invincible. It is subject to erosion by time, weather, and even acts of vandalism .
China has designated the wall as a national heritage site , and it has also been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987. Restoration programs are underway, but it takes time, money, and a lot of elbow grease.
According to some estimates, nearly 30% of the wall has already disappeared , and other sections are in very poor condition. The irony? Sometimes, rural residents have used the stones from the wall to build... their houses, their roads, or even to make objects like Chinese figurines, thus testifying to an unexpected reuse of this historical heritage."
This allows the introduction of the " Chinese figurine " while keeping the idea of reusing the stones of the wall.
Here's a little reward for those who had the courage to read this far. Here are some little-known gems on the wall.
It's paradoxical, but thanks to modern technology, you can walk the wall with your mouse , from the comfort of your living room, without walking a single kilometer.
Every year, athletes from all over the world participate in the Great Wall Marathon . And no, it's not a joke: with all those steps and climbs, it's one of the most demanding marathons in the world.
Some of the bricks on the wall bear inscriptions left by the workers, like a signature from the past. A way of saying "I was there," in the ancient way.
And even though it no longer protects against invaders, it continues to unite people, inspire pride, and serve as a reminder that the greatest projects often begin with a simple wall. Read more about the Great Wall .
So, now you know: the Great Wall of China is approximately 21,196 kilometers long , but it is much more than just a number. It is a symbol, a giant puzzle of history, culture, and human sweat. A monument that winds through centuries, mountains, and hearts.
If you ever have the opportunity to walk on a few of its stones, think of all those who built it, defended it, renovated it, or simply admired it. And remember that, even if it cannot be seen from the Moon, it remains one of the greatest human achievements of all time .