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长城 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
长城chángchéngthe Great WallHSK 3, ns, 13 strokes, rank #14337, Medium
chángchéng(Chang2cheng2)chang cheng T2
  1. 1the Great Wall
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March 24, 2026

长城(長城)chángchéng(Chang2cheng2)

长城, pronounced 'Chángchéng', refers specifically to the Great Wall of China, a monumental structure built to protect Chinese states and empires from invasions. It is not only a symbol of Chinese strength and perseverance but also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, attracting millions of visitors each year. The term can also be used metaphorically to describe something extensive or protective.

Strokes13Frequency#14337DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note

The Great Wall of China is deeply embedded in Chinese culture, symbolizing national pride and the historical effort to unify various regions against invasions. It is often featured in literature, art, and is a popular subject for tourists seeking to understand China's rich history.

Memory Tip

Imagine the Great Wall stretching long and high, like a dragon coiling around the mountains. The character 长 (cháng) means 'long', and 城 (chéng) means 'city' or 'wall'. Picture a long dragon wall protecting a city, helping you remember both the meaning and the pronunciation.

Meanings of 长城

chángchéng(Chang2cheng2)
1the Great Wall
Exercise 1 of 2

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About 长城

长城Simplified
長城Traditional
13Strokes
—Radical
地名míngcíplace name (p.n.)Part of Speech
#14337Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L4HSK 3.0L3ElementaryTOCFLL3HSKKL2CEFRA2

Podcast: 长城

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Podcast: 长城

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AI Study Notes for 长城

Usage Notes

While '长城' is commonly used to refer to the Great Wall, students should be cautious about using it in a formal context without the proper articles or descriptors. It is primarily used in written and spoken Mandarin when discussing Chinese history or tourism. Avoid confusing it with similar-sounding phrases that reference other walls or barriers.

HSK Study Tips

As an HSK Level 4 word, 长城 is important for students focusing on cultural and historical vocabulary. Connecting it to other HSK Level 4 terms related to travel, history, and architecture can enhance understanding. Pay attention to using it in context when discussing places in China.

Common Mistakes

Learners often mistakenly write '长墙' instead of '长城', confusing the characters for wall (墙) and city/wall (城). Remember that 城 specifically refers to a city or a fortified wall.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 长城

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Component Characters

长chánglength
HSK 24 strokes长
View full entry
城chéngcity walls
HSK 49 strokes土
View full entry

How to say the Great Wall in Chinese

“the Great Wall” in Chinese is长城chángchéng

长城, pronounced 'Chángchéng', refers specifically to the Great Wall of China, a monumental structure built to protect Chinese states and empires from invasions. It is not only a symbol of Chinese strength and perseverance but also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, attracting millions of visitors each year. The term can also be used metaphorically to describe something extensive or protective.

When to use 长城

While '长城' is commonly used to refer to the Great Wall, students should be cautious about using it in a formal context without the proper articles or descriptors. It is primarily used in written and spoken Mandarin when discussing Chinese history or tourism. Avoid confusing it with similar-sounding phrases that reference other walls or barriers.

What learners get wrong

Learners often mistakenly write '长墙' instead of '长城', confusing the characters for wall (墙) and city/wall (城). Remember that 城 specifically refers to a city or a fortified wall.

Write 长城

长
城

Practice writing 长城 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

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Grammar Patterns of 长城

长城 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.

Exercise 1 of 4

Fill the gap

Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.

要是你明天有时间,就跟我一起去____吧。

If you have time tomorrow, come with me to the Great Wall.

Example Sentences for 长城 (2)

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1
外宾们站着不动约莫有一分多钟之久,张口凝视着这个世界奇迹 -- 长城.

wài bīn mén zhàn zháo bù dòng yuē mò yǒu yī fēn duō zhōng zhī jiǔ, , zhāng kǒu níng shì zháo zhè gè shì jiè qí-- jì --.

For more than one minute our foreign guests remained standing still gaping at this wonder of the world -- the Great
2
英国特技表演者埃迪·基德骑摩托车飞越了中国长城。

yīng guó tè jì biǎo yǎn zhě āi dí· · jī dé qí mó tuō chē fēi yuè le zhōng guó cháng。

The British stunt man Eddie Kidd jumped over the Great Wall of China on a motorcycle.

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Cultural Notes for 长城

🌏Cross-cultural Insight

The concept of a protective wall is common in many cultures, but while Western cultures might focus on fortifications for military defense, the Great Wall is also seen as a symbol of unity and perseverance for the Chinese people.

Frequently Asked Questions about 长城

It is pronounced 'Chángchéng', with the first tone on '长' and the second tone on '城'.

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