The Badaling Great Wall, located in Beijing's Yanqing District, has long been a symbol of China's rich history and remarkable architectural achievements. However, recent archaeological discoveries have provided new insights into the military history of this iconic structure. In a surprising find, over 50 ancient explosive weapons were unearthed at the Badaling Great Wall, giving us a glimpse into the military tactics employed during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644).

Archaeologists were astonished when they discovered a cache of 59 stone bombs, neatly arranged along the western section of the Badaling Great Wall. Ma Lüwei, an archaeologist specializing in ancient Chinese military history, explained that these stone bombs were critical weapons used to defend the Great Wall against enemy invasions during the Ming Dynasty. "The bomb was often installed in medium-sized hollow bits of stone. These weapons were easy to make and convenient for soldiers to throw at invaders while standing on the Great Wall," Ma revealed.

Shang Heng, an associate research fellow at the Beijing Institute of Archaeology, pointed out that these stone bombs possessed significant explosive power and were favored by Qi Jiguang, a prominent Ming Dynasty military general known for his contributions to China's military strategies and innovations in weaponry.

What adds historical significance to this discovery is the fact that these 59 stone bombs were found inscribed with orders at one of the Great Wall's station houses, which were originally used for guarding against enemy incursions. This space was later identified as a weapons storage facility. Prior to this discovery, no similar "warehouses" had been found along the Beijing sections of the Great Wall.

In addition to the weapon storage, the archaeological project uncovered several other ancient structures along the Great Wall, including a "horse face" wall—a unique design used for soldiers to climb and shoot arrows. Notably, a stone fort that once supported cannons was discovered along the Beijing Great Wall for the first time. Archaeologist Wang Meng emphasized that these findings shed light on the functions and design planning of the Great Wall, providing a more comprehensive understanding of its historical significance.

These remarkable discoveries reflect China's ongoing research and conservation efforts regarding the Great Wall. Beijing, in particular, has seen over 110 preservation projects carried out between 2000 and 2022, aiming to protect this iconic structure. The Beijing section of the Great Wall is known for its complex buildings and geological conditions, making these preservation efforts particularly challenging.

Over the past 22 years, these preservation initiatives have yielded significant results. In 2021, a project aimed at rescuing the Liugou section of the Great Wall in Yanqing district provided valuable insights into how the Ming Dynasty Great Wall was constructed. A year later, everyday objects like plates, scissors, and bowls were discovered along the Jiankou section of the Great Wall, shedding light on the daily lives of the soldiers stationed along the wall.

"The Great Wall holds value not only for its remarkable architecture but also for its cultural and historical connections to ancient Chinese people's lives, their unity, and their spirit," historian Fang Gang emphasized.

Among these preservation efforts, the Great Wall National Cultural Park, set to be completed in 2035, is a key part of China's strategy to integrate Great Wall resources into a unified landscape. This endeavor aims to preserve the legacy of the Great Wall while extending its reach into fields such as cultural tourism. In 2023, 37 provincial-level planning projects have been carried out, with 16 already completed, including the establishment of Great Wall museums in Qinhuangdao, Hebei Province.

The recent discovery of stone bombs at the Badaling Great Wall not only adds to our understanding of the Ming Dynasty's defensive strategies but also underscores the importance of ongoing efforts to preserve and study this iconic piece of history. These archaeological findings remind us of the enduring cultural and historical significance of the Great Wall of China, a testament to the resilience and ingenuity of the ancient Chinese people.