ĦĦĦĦBEIJING, July 26 (Xinhuanet) -- The Great Wall is expected to be protected by
a specific law, says Dong Yaohui, secretary-general of the China Great Wall
Society.
ĦĦĦĦThe Beijing Bureau of Cultural Relics is soliciting expert advice over the
drafting of a law to protect the Great Wall, a famous landmark of China, Dong
says.
ĦĦĦĦThe law will focus on protecting the Great Wall, its attached buildings and
surrounding environment in the Beijing sections, according to Dong.
ĦĦĦĦThe Great Wall, about 6,700 km long, was listed as a world cultural
heritage site in 1987 by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural
Organization.
ĦĦĦĦWith booming tourism, the Great Wall has offered popular scenicspots and
brought about huge profits. It receives about 10 millionvisitors every year all
over the country, with 5 to 6 million in Beijing. Annual ticket income at the
Badaling Great Wall in Beijing is about 100 million yuan (12.5 million US
dollars).
ĦĦĦĦHowever, damage to the wall is becoming serious. Dong Yaohui says. Only one
third of the original structure still stands, one third is partially intact and
the rest has disappeared.
ĦĦĦĦAbout 600 km of the wall's total 629 km in the Beijing region remains
natural. A desire for a taste of original Great Wall drives more tourists there,
causing damage to the already loose structure.
ĦĦĦĦThe Great Wall is being nibbled away and disappearing brick by brick, Dong
says.
ĦĦĦĦThe lack of awareness of conservation is a serious reason for the damage,
Dong says. The dismantling of 60 meters of the Great Wall in Shanxi Province
prompted a fine of only 200 yuan (25 US dollars).
ĦĦĦĦIntellectual property rights will also be an important part of the upcoming
law. Restrictions on the use of brand names containing the words "Great Wall"
will be included, says Dong.
ĦĦĦĦAs part of conservation activities, the first large-scale fieldresearch on
the Great Wall was started Thursday in Beijing. About 20 specialists will begin
on August 3 their Great Wall journey which will last about 50 days. Enditem
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