A section of the Great Wall at Jiumenkou built on a riverbed in northeastern Liaoning Province, has been listed as part of the world cultural heritage on Monday by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
The 1,704-meter Jiumenkou wall section running from north to south, located within the area of Xintaizi Village of Suizhong County in Liaoning Province, won the approval by the UNESCO on Monday.
As it traverses through a 100-meter wide river, the wall section takes on the characteristics of a bridge.
Towering on steep precipice-covered riverbed, the stone bridge, which features eight shuttle-shape piers and nine sluice gates, has propped up the magnificent wall for more than six centuries.
Built in 1381 or the 14th year under the rein of Emperor Hongwuof the Imperial Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), the Jiumenkou section has undergone major repairs and renovations several times.
In recent years, numerous cultural relics including large indigenous iron and stone guns, exquisite porcelain bowls and big jars, have been excavated from the site, enabling archeologists, historians and military experts to gain a better and in-depth understanding of the ancient military garrison positioned there.
Archaeologists believe that a sound military defense system was in place at the site.
(Xinhua News Agency November 19, 2002)
