Language/Mandarin-chinese/Culture/China's-Great-Wall
China's Great Wall is one of the most iconic landmarks in China and also one of the world's most famous cultural sites. As a Mandarin Chinese teacher, I believe it is important to introduce students to the Great Wall of China and its significance in Chinese history and culture.
Consider exploring these related pages after completing this lesson: Spring Festival and Chunyun & China Timeline.
Introduction to China's Great Wall
China's Great Wall is a series of fortifications built along the northern borders of China to protect against invasion. The oldest sections of the wall were built during the 7th century BC while the most famous sections were built during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644 AD). The wall stretches over 13,000 miles (21,000 kilometers) and is considered one of the largest building projects in human history.
History and Significance of the Great Wall
The Great Wall of China was built to protect China from invasion by nomadic tribes from the north. Although the wall was never completely impenetrable, it succeeded in deterring invasions and allowed the Chinese civilization to thrive for centuries.
The Great Wall is also significant for its extensive cultural and historical value. It is considered one of the most important achievements of ancient Chinese engineering and a symbol of China's resilience and strength. The Great Wall has also been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987.
Describing the Great Wall in Mandarin Chinese
Here are some useful Mandarin Chinese phrases to describe the Great Wall:
Mandarin Chinese | Pronunciation | English Translation |
---|---|---|
长城 | cháng chéng | Great Wall |
堡垒 | bǎo lěi | fortress |
壁垒森严 | bì lěi sēn yán | heavily fortified |
碉堡 | diāo bǎo | watchtower |
石头 | shí tou | stone |
山峰 | shān fēng | mountain peak |
Here are some example sentences using these phrases:
- 长城是中国的象征。(Cháng chéng shì Zhōngguó de xiàngzhēng.) - The Great Wall is a symbol of China.
- 碉堡在长城上。(Diāo bǎo zài cháng chéng shàng.) - The watchtower is on the Great Wall.
- 长城是石头和砖建的。(Cháng chéng shì shítou hé zhuān jiàn de.) - The Great Wall is made of stone and brick.
Conclusion
China's Great Wall is a testament to the ingenuity, skill and resilience of ancient Chinese civilization. As Mandarin Chinese learners, it is important to understand the significance of this important cultural landmark and be able to describe it using Mandarin Chinese.
I hope this lesson has been informative and helpful, and that you will continue to explore and learn more about China and its rich culture in your language learning journey.
Sources
Impressive work on finishing this lesson! Explore these additional pages to enhance your understanding: Chinese New Year & Dragon Boat Festival and Zongzi.
Other Lessons
- Chinese Calligraphy and Painting
- Dragon Boat Festival and Zongzi
- Why Learn Chinese Mandarin
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- China's Four Great Ancient Capitals
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- China's Economy and Business Landscape
- Kung Fu
- Spring Festival and Chunyun