SHIJIAZHUANG - A section of the Great Wall submerged in a reservoir in north China's Hebei Province for nearly four decades has re-emerged after growing water use downstream dragged down water levels in the reservoir.

The section of the Great Wall, in Kuancheng Man Autonomous County, was built more than 500 years ago during the Ming Dynasty. It served as an important pass to the northern and northeastern frontiers.

A massive reservoir was built in the region in 1975. The section of wall was eventually submerged as the water level rose.

The reservoir has been depleted as agricultural and industrial activity increases downstream.