The Great Wall

Context:

The Great Wall of China is one of the greatest wonders of the world. It was listed as a World Heritage by UNESCO in 1987. Like a giant dragon, it winds across all different parts of China from east to west: mountains, deserts, grasslands, and highlands. It is about 13,170 miles (21,196 kilometers). It has a history of more than 2,000 years. Some sections are no longer complete or have disappeared. However, with its architectural techniques and historical significance, it is still one of the most attractive architecture worldwide.

The Great Wall was first built, or started, in the Zhou Dynasty, which is the very first dynasty in the Chinese History. Later during this dynasty, states split and built up their own walls as the lines of defense. This is now referred as the earliest version of the Great Wall. Later as the new Dynasty Qin emerged after Zhou, the pieces of the Great Wall were then first united and constructed into a cohesive architecture. As recorded, Qin Shi Huang, the first emperor of Qin, used about five percent population of the entire nation in this project. However, as dynasty changed, the Great Wall was also constructed continuously. The Great Wall appears today was mainly built during the Ming Dynasty, which lasted from 1368 to 1620. Therefore, the construction of the Great Wall had lasted for approximately 2000 years.

What is the artist communicating and how?

• The main purpose: serve as a defense. 

1. First it appears on the composition and location of the Great Wall. Qin Shi Huang came up with the main principal of building the Great Wall—build it on the precipitous terrain. And the following constructions all followed this key. Most of the Wall was built on ridge with a very sheer ramp towards out and a relatively gentle ramp inner side. This technique adds difficulties for the intruders to invade the country.
2. There are castles and beacon towers constructed along the wall. Beacons were used broadly as for getting the signal across. It is the oldest but most effective method at that time. The border will alarm the signals when they encounter the enemy. Smoke, called "beacon", is used during the day, and fire, called "flint", is lit at night. The amount of the smoke burned or the fire lit varies depends on the size of the army coming. Beacon Tower is generally about 10 miles apart; there are towers about 5 miles as well in the Ming dynasty. Beacon distribution is also very important. The key is to arrange them on the steep and alpine mountains, or somewhere twists and turns. Also, the three beacons next to each other should be in the vision of each other, in order to deliver the message instantly.

• The symbol for power, courage, and dignity. 

It is a huge project at that time. Not only it provides as a physical barrier for invaders, but also as a psychological deterrence. The enemies were shocked by the power of the country, and the intelligence of the people.

Why do I find it beautiful?

The Great Wall is a symbol for China. It is astounding to consider that such miracle was built in ancient China with no advanced technology. It is a true masterpiece. As a Chinese, I am so proud to introduce it to others and share my experience with this miracle. The Great Wall has many components, and each has a different style. The Wall itself is raw, natural and even a little rough. People simply used all the stones that without refining or other carving. And the majority is on the ridge of the mountain. Between the mountain and the wall, the power of nature is expressed fully. Toughness can also be sensed through this design. But for castles, it is just the opposite. The gates are elaborated and the stones are sophisticated and really well carved. This is because castles are not only for defense, but are also places for the passengers and officers to stay or take a break from the long journey. Compare to the western architectures, the Great Wall is not that fancy or delicate. But that doesn’t affect people’s appreciation for its beauty. It represents toughness, solemnity, and inviolability. As a Chinese, I am very proud of this masterpiece.