【正文】
s is made up of 6, km sections of actual wall, km of trenches and 2, km of natural defensive barriers such as hills and rivers. The Chinese were already familiar with the techniques of wallbuilding by the time of the Spring and Autumn Period. During the Warring States Period from the 5th century BC to 221 BC, the states of Qin, Wei, Zhao, Qi and Yan all constructed extensive fortifications to defend their own borders. Qin Shi Huang conquered all opposing states and unified China in 221 BC, establishing the Qin Dynasty. To protect the empire against intrusions by the Xiongnu people from the north, he ordered the building of a new wall to connect the remaining fortifications along the empire39。s new northern frontier. Most of the ancient walls have eroded away over the centuries, and very few sections remain today. Later, the Han, Sui and Jin dynasties all repaired, rebuilt, or expanded sections o