What you can do to help preserve the Great Wall?

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Europe

By CGTN’s Zheng Quanbin

The majestic views of the Great Wall have impressed numerous visitors from around the globe. But in order to not unknowingly damage the World Heritage site, here are some tips:

1. Do not walk on sections that are not open to the public. Visiting open sections like Badaling and Mutianyu is fine, but exploring unrestored sections, also known as the "Wild Great Wall," can accelerate deterioration, and is banned according to a government regulation issued in 2006.

One section of the deteriorated Great Wall. /CGTN Photo

2. Do not camp on the Great Wall. Camping is fun, but try to do that at permitted sites instead.

3. Do not buy bricks taken from the Great Wall. Trying to obtain such a souvenir will drive people to illegally take bricks from the Great Wall.

4. Visitors should also not litter, vandalize, or scrawl on the bricks.

When it comes to protecting the Great Wall, there are things you can do for the landmark even when you are not there, such as:

The Great Wall. /Photo by Zhou Wanping

1. Share your photos of the Great Wall with your friends so that more people can learn about it.

2. Join NGOs that are dedicated to protecting the Great Wall.

3. Donate to children living near the Great Wall to lift them out of poverty.

A volunteer teaches children living near the Great Wall. /CGTN Photo

4. Last but not least, report any damage you see to the relevant authorities.

(Video filmed and edited by Gao Ming and Ruan Xiaoxuan. Natalie Pang also contributed to the report.)