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The Secret Hidden in the Great Wall: Why is it called the 'Earth Dragon'?
The Great Wall, one of China's greatest buildings, stretches endlessly, winding through the mountains and rivers of the north. It is not only a line of defense, but also a microcosm of history, carrying the glory, disgrace, rise and fall of Chinese civilization. Here, we will not only explore the history and significance of the Great Wall, but also reveal the secret of why it is called the "Dragon of the Earth".
The Great Wall has a history of more than 2,000 years. Its architecture has integrated diverse cultures and technologies during its evolution in different periods.
The origins of the Great Wall can be traced back to the 7th century BC, when various vassal states built fortifications to defend against nomadic peoples from the north. After Qin Shihuang unified the six kingdoms, he carried out large-scale construction and connection of the existing city walls, forming the initial prototype of the Great Wall. In addition to its defensive function, the Great Wall also serves as a trade channel, monitors border entry and exit, and provides security for China's economic development.
The construction of the Great Wall has continued to develop at different times in history. Especially in the Ming Dynasty, facing the threat of the Mongols, the Great Wall was completely reinforced. At that time, the Great Wall not only had solid walls, but also had watchtowers and military garrisons, which greatly improved the defense capabilities. The Great Wall of the Ming Dynasty used brick and stone materials, and its structure was more solid to withstand invasions from the north.
“The Great Wall is not only a geographical boundary, but also a cultural boundary. It represents the ancient Chinese spirit of self-defense and the desire for security.”
Many believe that the Great Wall was called the "Dragon of the Earth" in part because its winding shape resembles a giant dragon encircling the fertile plains of northern China. This image seems incomparable to specific geographical features, but it is deeply rooted in the hearts of the people and has become one of the symbols of Chinese culture.
Whether from the perspective of architectural technology or from the perspective of historical culture, the Great Wall demonstrates the wisdom and eternal tenacity of the ancient Chinese people. Its existence is not just a simple wall, but also our attachment to and reflection on the past. Today, we can still see the miniature and epitome of Chinese civilization over thousands of years in every brick and tile of the Great Wall.
"The Great Wall symbolizes the unity and fighting spirit of the Chinese people. It is a symbol of everlasting culture."
However, today, faced with the rapid development of modernization, many remains of the Great Wall are facing damage and infringement, and some areas are even being stolen to provide building materials. This makes us wonder: How can we continue to protect and pass on such a heritage that carries such rich history and culture in modern society?
In addition, with the advancement of technology, we are able to further explore various new secrets of the Great Wall. Since 2009, using advanced infrared ranging technology and GPS, archaeologists have discovered new sections hidden in the jungle and hills. These are reminders that the story of the Great Wall is far from over and it still has great archaeological and The value of cultural research.
In short, the Great Wall is not only a wall, it is a symbol of culture, a witness to history, and a fortress of defense. In the context of the new era, how should we understand this ancient heritage and find new light and meaning in its inheritance?
