The Great Wall, built in the Ming Dynasty and one of China's greatest tourist attractions, is a mere remnant of itself, according to a Beijing Times report.
The newspaper says that nearly a third of the wall has completely disappeared, through a combination of natural erosion, neglect, and people taking bricks for construction or to sell as souvenirrs. Only 8% of the wall could be described as "well-preserved."
What happens next is the big question. Dong Yaohui of the China Great Wall Society wants the entire structure restored and maintained because of its status as a world cultural heritage, but others point out that the local governments along the wall don't have the money or manpower to protect many kilometers of the wall passing through their territory.
For more information and pictures from China's People's Daiy, click HERE
Comments (2)