In a startling incident in northern China, two individuals find themselves in custody for allegedly causing damage to a section of the iconic Great Wall. Local authorities have taken action against a 38-year-old man and a 55-year-old woman from Shanxi province, accusing them of wielding an excavator to create an unauthorized shortcut for their nearby construction work.
The unfolding incident paints a distressing picture. According to statements from local law enforcement, the pair decided to dig through the Great Wall, an ancient marvel that has withstood the test of time, all in the name of convenience for their construction project. What transpired was the transformation of an existing opening in this historical treasure into a wide gap, spacious enough to accommodate their excavator, all aiming to ” save the distance of travel.”
This reckless excavation, undertaken without any consideration for the historical and cultural significance of the Great Wall, has caused what authorities describe as “irreversible” damage to the integrity and safety of the affected portion of this iconic structure.
The incident came to the attention of the police in Yuyou county on August 24, following reports of the damage. The authorities swiftly detained the two suspects, and the case is now subject to ongoing investigation, as detailed in an official statement.
The Great Wall of China, which played a pivotal role in defending various Chinese Empires throughout history, stretches for over 20,000 kilometers (12,427 miles). It holds the esteemed title of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a recognition bestowed upon it in 1987. Its origins trace back over two millennia, with its construction evolving over the course of China’s ancient dynasties.
The unfortunate damage occurred to a section of the wall hailing from the Ming dynasty (1368-1644), commonly referred to as the 32nd Great Wall. This particular segment also houses a relatively well-preserved watchtower and is designated as a provincial cultural relic.
In recent years, Chinese authorities have intensified their efforts to safeguard the Great Wall and clamp down on acts of vandalism. In 2021, they apprehended and fined three visitors for defacing the renowned Badaling section of the wall with sharp objects. Additionally, the same year, foreign tourists faced bans from the Great Wall for trespassing onto undeveloped portions of the Mutianyu section.
This incident serves as a reminder of the vital role played by preservation and responsible tourism in safeguarding cultural and historical treasures like the Great Wall of China for generations to come.