A Great Wall expert has warned that the Great Wall has suffered extensive natural and human damage in recent years. Only 30 percent of the walls built during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) are still standing.

Dong Yaohui, deputy president of the China Great Wall Association, said that less than 20 percent of the Ming Great Wall is relatively well protected.

The total length of the Ming Dynasty walls is only 2,500 kilometers, Dong said.

The Great Wall is a unique historical site in terms of its size and complexity. It meanders thousands of miles, passing through several provinces and more than 200 north China counties. A large portion of the Great Wall is located in poor, remote areas where few people reside.

Just how long is the wall? Nobody knows for sure. The traditional estimate is 50,000 li, or 25,000 kilometers. Construction of the wall began during the Warring States Period (475-221 B.C.), when separate sections were built in scattered strategic areas.

The main remnants of the Great Wall were rebuilt in the Ming and Qing (1644-1911) dynasties. They measure about 6,700 kilometers. But no official survey has been conducted to find out the exact length.

The government plans to use remote sensors and other sophisticated technology to make precise measurements of the Wall.

A draft regulation on protecting the Great Wall was discussed and ratified in principle by the executive meeting of the State Council on Sept. 20.

The draft regulation said protection and refurbishment of the Great Wall should be guided by the principle of "preserving the original appearance". A general guideline for protecting the Great Wall will be framed in the near future.

The draft regulation defined the duties of local governments in protecting the Great Wall and called on all sections of society to devote themselves to the task.

Commercial exploitation of the Great Wall will be strictly regulated, said the draft regulation.

Source: Xinhua