When mentioning the Great Wall of China, most people remember it as a project initiated by Emperor Qin Shi Huang to connect and expand the wall. Few are aware that in China, there is another Great Wall that holds significant historical importance.
The Great Wall of China is the largest man-made structure in the world and a source of pride for the Chinese people. The wall was built using earth and stone from the 5th century BC to the 16th century. However, this is not the only fortification in the country.
The Great Wall in Nanjing initiated by Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang. (Photo: 163).
The second Great Wall of China is located in Nanjing, along the banks of the Yangtze River. This wall was initiated by Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang between 1366 and 1386 to protect the Ming Dynasty’s capital.
According to historical records, over 200,000 people were mobilized from surrounding areas to construct the wall. They transported nearly 7 million cubic meters of earth. It is estimated that this wall used up to 350 million bricks, each weighing approximately 2.7 kg. The materials used to bind the bricks were a mixture of rice water, lime, and other substances. The wall reaches heights of 14 to 20 meters and is 14 meters wide, with defensive loopholes at the top for emergencies.
The second Great Wall of China located along the Yangtze River. (Photo: 163)
According to the China Travel Guide, each brick contains information about its production location, the supervising official, and the craftsman who made it. Therefore, the bricks of the Nanjing Wall have become a historical document for construction specialists and future generations.
The Great Wall in Nanjing is divided into four sections, designed to encircle the inner city of Nanjing. Originally, the wall stretched nearly 35 km, but today only about 21 km remains. Despite enduring hundreds of years of history, it still stands strong, showcasing the high level of technical skill of ancient builders. This structure has been recognized as the longest circular wall in the world.
This structure has been recognized as the longest circular wall in the world. (Photo: 163)
At that time, Zhu Yuanzhang established Nanjing as the capital and decided to construct the wall to reinforce sovereignty and prevent invasions. The Great Wall in Nanjing was built along the Dingshan Mountain range, which served as the Ming Dynasty’s defense line. The wall runs along the peaks of Lion Mountain, Yaogao Mountain, and Fuyung Mountain, constructed to a 1:1 scale similar to the Great Wall built by Qin Shi Huang.
Despite its beautiful terrain, the Great Wall in Nanjing receives very few visitors. Tourists can explore six sections of the ancient wall, including: a 6 km stretch from Zhonghua Gate to An Gate; 2 km from Zhongshan Gate to Dongguanghua Road; 6 km from Dongshui Pass to Xishui Pass; 1 km from Qinting Mountain to the National Defense Garden; 4 km from Dinghuai Gate to Lion Mountain; and 2 km from Zhongfu Road to Zhongfang Gate. The scenery here is considered as majestic as that of the Great Wall in Beijing, which is frequently visited by tourists.
Despite its beautiful terrain, the Great Wall in Nanjing sees very few visitors. (Photo: 163)
Currently, the eastern section of the wall at Dongshui Pass has been developed into a large park. This park is built on the site of an ancient palace, featuring an entrance gate, a moat, remnants of a heaven altar, and a stone wall adorned with sculptures of mythical creatures from the Ming Dynasty.
