The Great Wall of China was originally built as separate defensive walls by different states to defend against invasions from the Huns in the north. Emperor Qin Shihuang connected these walls after unifying China to form the first "Great Wall". Sections have since been rebuilt and repaired. At over 4,500 miles long, the Great Wall winds across northern China and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, becoming a symbol of Chinese culture and one of its most popular tourist destinations.

1. The Great Wall of China Copyright, Concept & Creation: Geetesh Bajaj

2. The Great Wall of China

3. The Great Wall This ancient fortification with its several branches runs about 4,500 miles from east to west through northern China.

5. Building the Wall The Great Wall was originally built as a defensive fortification by three states. It went through constant extensions and repairs in later dynasties. In fact, it began as independent walls for different states when it was first built, and did not become the "Great" wall until the Qin Dynasty.

6. Qin dynasty Emperor Qin Shihuang succeeded in his effort to have the walls joined together to fend off the invasions from the Huns in the north after the unification of China.

7. Terra Cotta army The Qin Mausoleum is where Emperor Qin Shi Huang was buried along with 6000 life sized terra cotta warriors each moulded in incredible detail.

8. Some sections have been rebuilt with obviously modern repairs.

9. Listed as one of the greatest wonders of the world by UNESCO in 1987, the Great Wall winds up and down across deserts, grasslands, mountains and plateaus stretching approximately 6,700 kilometers from east to west of China.

10. The Great Wall is China’s most popular tourist destination

11. It has become the symbol of the Chinese nation and its culture.