A government study has found the Great Wall of China to be much longer than previously estimated, state media reported on Tuesday [AFP]
Published On 23 Apr 200923 Apr 2009
The most comprehensive and technologically advanced survey to date showed the ancient wall stretching nearly 3,000km longer than original estimates made based on historical records [AFP]
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The two-year study using global positioning system, infra-red range-finders and other mapping technologies uncovered previously unknown parts that made up a total length of 8,850km [EPA]
The structure includes 6,259km of actual wall, plus 360km of trenches and 2,232km of natural barriers such as hills and rivers [AFP]
The mapping survey is part of the government's 10-year project to conserve the world heritage-listed site that was built over centuries to keep foreigners out of China [GALLO/GETTY]
Chinese officials say the wall is in grave danger of disappearing in many places due to massive infrastructure projects, other developments and extreme weather [AFP]
The first part of the Great Wall was constructed by Chinese emperors some 2,000 years ago to keep out Monguls and invaders [AFP]
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It was then rebuilt and extended during the Ming Dynasty (1368 to 1644) amid the threat of invading northern tribes [GALLO/GETTY]
