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
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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]
