The Great Wall, China's legendary defense line, is the country's number one historic monument and a national symbol.
Although the vast majority of the remaining sections of the Great Wall were erected during the Ming Dynasty, the Great Wall represents a collective effort of millions of people from many of China's imperial dynasties and pre-imperial states, dating back to over 2500 years ago. See Great Wall History
In the last century, due to various environmental reasons and human activities, about one million square kilometers (400, 000 sq miles) of land from Xinjiang to the Songneng Plains are changing from arable land into desert. This trend has led to rapid erosion and burial of the Great Wall. Also, large parts of the ancient wall, beacon towers and watchtowers have been damaged or dismantled by the uncontrolled activities of local people and developers.
To prevent further loss of the architectural wonder and cultural heritage of the Great Wall, many people suggest that the Chinese government educate about the importance of preserving the Great Wall and enact laws to protect it. Below are a number of steps that the Chinese government has taken and some suggestions for individuals to consider:
If you want to walk on the Great Wall to admire its majestic winding length, please see our recommended Great Wall Hiking Tours below for inspiration: