Hidden Secrets: Ten Unbelievable Facts About the Great Wall of China

Hidden Secrets: Ten Unbelievable Facts About the Great Wall of China

The Great Wall of China, a marvel of ancient engineering, stretches over 13,000 miles, winding its way through mountains, grasslands, and deserts. It intrigues and mesmerizes millions of visitors each year, but not everyone knows about the wall’s astonishing secrets. Dive into the unknown as we unveil ten unbelievable facts about this architectural wonder.

1. The Wall Is Not One, But Multiple Walls

Contrary to common belief, the Great Wall of China isn’t one continuous structure but rather a series of fortification walls built over many centuries. There are over 40,000 miles of walls, built by various dynasties for defense, trade facilitation, and border control.

2. Remnants of Twisted Metal: A Hidden Danger

Many walkers exploring the Great Wall have come across sharp, dangerous metal fragments that protrude from the surface. These remnants of twisted metal were a result of Mongol invasions, as the invaders used ironware weapons during the battles.

3. Italian Architects and the Inner Wall

The Masonry, Mortar, and brick sections of the Great Wall built during the Ming Dynasty are said to have been constructed by Italian architects under Emperor Yongle. However, little evidence is still available to corroborate this.

4. An Invisible Wall

Between 2009 and 2011, sections of the Great Wall were excavated and discovered, which had been buried under centuries of soil erosion and vegetation. This hidden part of the Wall is "invisible" to the naked eye.

**5. The Yellow Wall

Standing apart in color is the Yellow Wall, or Ming wall. This section of the Great Wall in Beijing comprises 8-meter wide and 7.8-meter high sections built at a stone’s throw to the naked eye. The yellow refers to the mountain’s yellow soil, making it distinct from nearby towns.

6. Stealthy Hoarding of Stamps

During the reign of the Ming Dynasty, canons were secretly hoarded in several hidden cavities of the Great Wall, with one spot being discovered in Shanhai Pass in 2003.

7. Amazing Astronomical Features

The Great Wall features several astronomical features, mainly for predicting seasons and eclipses. The wall merges the principles of Chinese astronomy and architecture to create an accurate solar and lunar calendar.

8. Uncommon Flora and Fauna in the Surrounding Ecosystem

The Wall’s surrounding ecosystem hosts many rare flora and fauna species, some are in their natural habitats. This ecosystem also reveals the uncultivated zone of Manchuria known as the "wild Boar Ground."

Image: Infographic showing the ten facts about the Great Wall with corresponding symbols or images to capture each point.

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FAQs Section

Q1: When was the Great Wall of China built?

The first sections of what we know today as the Great Wall of China started being built around 7th century BC, and the most recent parts were built during the Ming Dynasty, around Ahh, 14th to 17th centuries.

Q2: Can you provide the exact length of the Great Wall of China?

The Great Wall of China spans over 13,000 miles, stretching across different terrains and landscapes of western China.

Q3: Is the Great Wall the longest structure man-made?

Yes, the Great Wall of China is often regarded as the longest man-made structure in the world, measured by length, its total stretch of more than 13,000 miles makes it an epic engineering feat.

There’s plenty more to discover in this ancient monument, and as you walk along the winding paths of the Great Wall of China, you’ll uncover secrets from the bygone era filling with enchantment, beauty and awe—a journey that time will never erode. Happy Travels!

Image: Photo of the Great Wall with a caption on Texture, Views, and aesthetics of the Wall

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