China is a sovereign state nestled in East Asia, distinguished as the most populous nation globally, boasting a population exceeding 1.35 billion. Encompassing an expansive 9.6 million square kilometers, China ranks as the world’s second-largest country by land area. Its total area is deemed the third or fourth-largest, contingent on the measurement method applied. The Chinese landscape is a tapestry of diversity, ranging from the forested steppes to the arid expanses of the Gobi and Taklamakan deserts in the north, and lush subtropical forests in the moisture-laden south.
Among the many marvels China boasts, the Great Wall stands as one of the most iconic. Recognized as one of the world’s greatest wonders, it earned a well-deserved spot on UNESCO’s World Heritage list in 1987. Resembling a colossal dragon, the Great Wall meanders across deserts, grasslands, mountains, and plateaus, spanning a staggering 8,851.8 kilometers (5,500 miles) from China’s eastern to western extremities. With a storied history stretching back over two millennia, some sections have succumbed to the passage of time, while others endure as enduring testaments to architectural grandeur and historical import. Despite its age, the Great Wall remains an alluring attraction of global renown.
