Great Wall restoration kicks off in Beijing

Launch ceremony is held in Beijing for a new round of restoration of the Jiankou Great Wall. (Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn)

Commencing on June 6, a fresh phase of restoration for the Jiankou Great Wall in Beijing's Huairou district has been initiated, marking a significant milestone in the ongoing conservation efforts of this historical marvel.

Stretching over 7,071 meters, this section has undergone four rounds of restoration since 2016, with a substantial 4,250 meters already revitalized. The latest restoration endeavor targets 915 meters of the Jiankou segment, encompassing the restoration of six watchtowers and five sidewall sections, with a projected completion date set for the conclusion of November 2026.

Deng Chao, the director of the artifact and historical site department at the National Cultural Heritage Administration, emphasized the importance of adhering to updated guidelines for cultural relic preservation, ensuring a meticulous approach to the protection of the Great Wall. At the launch event, Deng urged for enhanced management of cultural and tourism initiatives related to the Great Wall, advocating for the establishment of a comprehensive value presentation framework and the refinement of policies to encourage wider societal engagement in the conservation of this iconic structure.

Liu Yuzhu, chair of the China Foundation for Cultural Heritage Conservation, lauded the heightened social consciousness surrounding cultural relic preservation, particularly acknowledging entities like the Tencent Charity Foundation for their active involvement in safeguarding the Great Wall. Liu highlighted the increasing diversity in participation methods and the fervor exhibited by these social forces.

Chen Fafen, vice-president of Tencent, affirmed the company's commitment to bolstering public awareness of the archaeological and cultural significance of the Great Wall.

Tang Yuyang, a professor from Beijing University of Civil Engineering and Architecture, emphasized the evolution of Great Wall protection strategies, advocating for a shift toward research-driven restoration and proactive preventive measures, building upon the valuable practical experience garnered in Beijing.

Workers conduct digital surveying and recording of the Jiankou Great Wall. (Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn)

Restoration workers discuss design and construction details on the Wall. (Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn)