A recent Great Wall excavation in China has revealed significant findings, including the largest cannon ever discovered along the Jiankou section. The discovery was made during an ongoing archaeological project focused on three beacon towers and their connecting walls.
The late Ming Dynasty cannon, measuring 89.2 centimeters (35.1 inches) and weighing 112.1 kilograms (247.2 pounds), was among several items recovered. Archaeologists say it is the biggest artillery piece unearthed at this part of the wall.
Shang Heng, associate research fellow at the Beijing Institute of Archaeology, said the cannon’s clear inscriptions provide important insight into how firearms were produced and how military technology was shared during that time.
Artifacts reveal military and daily life
Alongside the cannon, researchers found weapons, construction components and everyday tools, further helping to understand how the Great Wall functioned as a military and living space.
Chinese archaeologists unearthed a cannon, 89.2 centimeters in length and 112.1 kilograms in weight, cast in the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644) at the Jiankou section of the Great Wall. #archeology pic.twitter.com/BpeKyRlANV
— China Daily (@ChinaDaily) December 2, 2025
In a separate announcement, researchers shared new findings from the Xingong site, one of the few ancient settlements discovered in Beijing’s urban area.
The site dates back to the Xia and Shang periods and includes burial areas, moats and residential remains.
Great Wall excavation in China sheds light on ancient trade
Twenty-eight turquoise artifacts were recovered from the site. Yang Ju, research fellow at the institute, said the material likely came from mines near the borders of Hubei, Henan and Shaanxi provinces. He noted that the discovery points to early cultural exchanges in northern China.
Both discoveries mark key advancements in the study of ancient Chinese civilization and military history. The Great Wall excavation in China continues to offer valuable contributions to the country’s archaeological record.
