Tourists from throughout China and visitors from around the world are exploring a section of the wall during the Fall travel season. Building the Great Wall began at a date that remains unknown, but it's generally believed to have been during the Zhou Dynasty. Later, during the Qin Dynasty the wall was expanded between the states of Qin, Yan and Zhao kingdoms, as mandated by Emperor Qin Shi Haung in 214 BC. Additional construction was done during successive Northern Wei, Northern Qi and Sui  dynasties. The present Great Wall exists from the Ming Dynasty (1368 - 1644). It spans over 5,000 kilometers.

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