Hugh Benson, Jiayuguan Fortress (December theme: Architecture)

At the end of the Great Wall of China lies a feat of engineering. The fort of Jiayuguan. This impressive and beautiful fortress was the most distant protection from the Mongolian tribes to the North. This fortress was a feat because the designer when it was built in 1372 was asked to estimate how many bricks it will take to finish. He said 99,999, the official in charge asked if that will be enough, so the designer ordered 100,000 bricks to be made. The last one, being spare, was placed loosely and not part of the structure on top of a gate where it remains to this day.

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