Part of the Great Wall in China. (File photo/Chinanews.com)
(ECNS) -- At the foot of the Great Wall in Beijing, an open class was given to pupils from the city's primary schools on September 20, the 10th anniversary of government rules on Great Wall protection.
About 30 percent of the Great Wall, which is made of stones, bricks, stamped earth, wood and other materials, is disappearing due to both natural and human-made causes, said Gu Yucai, deputy administrative head at the State Administration of Cultural Heritage.
Thousands of people in 15 provinces and municipalities have taken part in comprehensive research on the Great Wall over the past five years to discover the true condition of the ancient wonder, according to Gu.
It was noted that the administration has employed more than 3,000 people to patrol the wall and stop further damage.
The overall length of the Great Wall is 21,196 kilometers, but no more than 10 percent is in the good condition seen at internationally known locations such as Badaling, Shanhaiguan and Mutianyu.
Protection of the Great Wall needs joint assistance from society. Beside the 3,000 certificated protectors, everyone, including children and students, can become guardians, Gu said.
The administration will try to mobilize social power towards maintenance and protection work, including offering open courses to raise public awareness.
