how many bricks in the great wall of china

In 1987, the long-awaited moment finally arrived—the Great Wall of China was inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List. This desire symbolized humanity’s yearning for peace, disdain for war, and rejection of plunder.

A seemingly ordinary wall, the Great Wall evolved over 2,600 years and across 16 dynasties into a sophisticated military defense system of walls and structures, becoming a symbol of the Chinese nation from its inception.

As a boundary between China’s agrarian and nomadic civilizations, countless military confrontations occurred along the Great Wall throughout history. Even after over two millennia, people still reflect on its turbulent past when gazing upon its ancient grandeur.

The historical value and significance of the Great Wall are undeniable, but it is far more complex than just a solitary wall. In reality, it is a comprehensive defense system combining walls, fortresses, watchtowers, and more.

Statistics show that the Great Wall’s construction required approximately 17.95 million bricks, a testament to its massive scale. Among its many iconic sections is Jiayuguan, the westernmost fort known as the “First and Greatest Pass Under Heaven.”

Visitors to Jiayuguan often notice a single brick placed on its walls, untouched for centuries. Why does no one dare move this “extra brick”?

The Story Behind Jiayuguan’s “Anchor Brick”

The tradition of extending the Great Wall continued across dynasties, including during the Ming era. Despite financial constraints and rampant corruption, the Ming government appointed Hao Kong to oversee construction and assigned Yi Kaizhan as the chief engineer.

Yi Kaizhan, known for his integrity, rejected Hao Kong’s attempts at corruption, leading to tension between the two. Hao Kong retaliated by cutting workers’ wages, and later demanded Yi Kaizhan calculate the precise number of bricks needed for construction, warning that any surplus or deficit could result in execution.

After three days of meticulous calculations, Yi Kaizhan arrived at a total: 99,999 bricks. Hao Kong, skeptical of Yi’s precision, secretly added one extra brick during procurement, confident this would expose Yi’s mistake.

When construction was completed on schedule, Hao Kong invited the emperor to inspect the site. During the tour, they found the “extra” brick placed conspicuously on the wall. When asked about it, Yi Kaizhan explained it was the “anchor brick” stabilizing the entire structure. Removing it, he warned, would cause the wall to collapse.

Fearful of testing Yi’s claim, and in accordance with the prevalent belief in feng shui, Hao Kong dared not touch the brick. The construction concluded successfully, and Yi Kaizhan earned widespread admiration for his skill and resourcefulness.

Today, this “anchor brick” remains on Jiayuguan’s walls, untouched for centuries, symbolizing the Great Wall’s enduring legacy.

Conclusion

Throughout history, the Great Wall has witnessed China’s dynastic changes and stood as a testament to its civilization. As a physical monument of history, it endures into the 21st century, showcasing its grandeur and resilience to the world. Regardless of time, the Great Wall remains an unshakable symbol of China’s spirit.