The Great Wall was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1987.
UNESCO inscribed the Great Wall as a cultural property during the 11th session of the World Heritage Committee. The designation recognizes not one single continuously built wall, but a vast series of defensive structures created by successive Chinese dynasties.
The Wall’s construction began with earlier regional fortifications and continued for roughly two millennia, reaching major phases under the Qin, Han, and Ming dynasties. UNESCO highlights its military architecture, historical importance, and evidence of contact between agricultural societies and northern nomadic peoples.
A common mix-up is confusing the inscription year with the Wall’s construction dates. The best-known Ming sections were built mainly between 1368 and 1644, while Qin Shi Huang linked earlier defenses around 220 BCE. The Great Wall is also one of several Chinese heritage sites inscribed by UNESCO in 1987, including the Forbidden City and the Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor.