8th floor of the east section of Simatai Great Wall (2021-05-13) by Wu QiangSimatai Great Wall
Why is it called the "White Tower"?
The 8th watchtower is also known as the "White Tower". Prior to entering it, we can see from afar its two corners collapsed against the north side. From a distance, the white plaster dotted on the wall seems connected and looks like tears dripping from the eyes of the injured.
This is the reason why local people call it the "White Tower".
8th floor of the east section of Simatai Great Wall (2021-05-13) by Wu QiangSimatai Great Wall
The Damaged Tower
During the Second Sino-Japanese War, local troops had a fierce firefight with Japanese troops here, and the artilleries damaged this tower.
8th floor of the east section of Simatai Great Wall (2021-05-13) by Wu QiangSimatai Great Wall
Unique Structure
The "White Tower" is the only one of its kind in the Simatai Great Wall, with a brick-arched corridor on the outside and a wooden roof in the central room (which no longer exists today).
Empty Corridor
On the upper floor, there are pillar stones left at the top corners of the central room; inside the tower there is a monument base, but the stone monument has been lost. The interior of the "White Tower" is quite narrow, with an open space in the middle and two straight corridors on both sides.
8th floor of the east section of Simatai Great Wall (2021-05-13) by Wu QiangSimatai Great Wall
Nowadays, we can still find bullet holes and fragments in some parts of this tower left back then.
