The Great Wall and Emperor Qin Shi Huang

In 221 BC, King Ying Zheng of Qin unified the Warring States period and declared himself the first emperor, "Qin Shi Huang."

The Great Wall and Emperor Qin Shi Huang — To ward off invasions by the Xiongnu, a nomadic tribe from the north, Qin Shi Huang decided to build a massive defensive wall.

To ward off invasions by the Xiongnu, a nomadic tribe from the north, Qin Shi Huang decided to build a massive defensive wall.

The Great Wall and Emperor Qin Shi Huang — By connecting the existing walls built by previous states and constructing new sections, the magnificent "Great Wall of China" began to take shape.

By connecting the existing walls built by previous states and constructing new sections, the magnificent "Great Wall of China" began to take shape.

The Great Wall and Emperor Qin Shi Huang — Built through the immense sweat and toil of countless people, the Great Wall has become a world-renowned cultural heritage site and a grand symbol of China today.

Built through the immense sweat and toil of countless people, the Great Wall has become a world-renowned cultural heritage site and a grand symbol of China today.