中國景點 Tourist attraction in China (by Nicole)

萬里長城 The Great Wall of China

被譽為世界七大奇觀的萬里長城是現時中國最有名的歷史古跡和旅遊勝地。萬里長城是一連串由石頭、磚塊、木等材料等所造成的防禦長牆。

As one of the world's Seven Wonders, the Great Wall is now the top famous historical sites and tourist attractions in China. The Great Wall of China is a series of fortifications made of stone, brick as well as wood. 

萬里長城初建於春秋戰國時期。最初該處只有數塊小牆作防禦用途。其後泰始皇統一六國，他下令部下把不同的小牆被串連成來，並將其擴建成抵抗外敵的前線工具，長城因此而得來。經過不斷的維修、重建，長城逐漸建得愈來愈高、大和長。

The Great Wall of China was built in the "period of spring and autumn and warring states". Initially several small walls were built for defense purpose only. After Emperor Qin Shihuang unified the six states, he ordered the subordinates to connect the existing walls so as to make a long wall as defense against invasion. Thus the Great Wall of China was formed. The Great Wall was gradually built, repaired and reconstructed so as to make it much taller, bigger and longer. 

萬里長城由樓臺、關隘、城牆和烽火台造成，大大加強了其防禦功能和特色。

The defensive characteristics of the Great Wall were enhanced by the construction of watch towers, troop barracks, garrison stations, signaling capabilities through the means of smoke or fire. 

萬里長城全長21,196公里。據說由於其又長又闊的特徵，萬里長城即使在太空亦能清楚看見其形狀。

The length of The Great Wall of China is 21,196 km. It is said that The Great Wall of China can still be seen very clearly even in the space because of its huge size and long length. 

由於大量人民於長城建造期間和戰事中死亡，成為長城下的亡魂，中國人十分「尊重」長城，並視長城為中國傳統精神的象徵-團結和犧牲。

Due to the large amount of dead created due to the construction and wars, Chinese respect the Great Wall of China and treat the wall as a kind of symbol of Chinese traditional spirit-United and Sacrifice. 

中國的國歌，義勇軍進行曲，亦有提及萬里長城的名字。歌詞如下:

The name of the Great Wall of China is also mentioned in the national anthem, March of the Volunteer. Followings are the lyrics:

起來！不願做奴隸的人們！

把我們的血肉，築成我們新的長城！

Arise! All those who don't want to be slaves!

Let our flesh and blood forge our new Great Wall!

中國有句古語: 不到長城非好漢。這句話含有鼓勵和讚揚的意思，是指能不畏堅苦勞累，爬上長城者都是好漢

There is a saying  “Who never climbed the Great Wall cannot be deemed a Man” .It is an encouragement and praise that somebody is courageous and persistent if he can climb the Great Wall.

萬里長城體現出中國不同的文化和精神，有機會的話我也想到長城看看呢！

The Great Wall of China shows different culture and spirits of China, I really want to have a visit if I have a chance!