The Great Wall: a monument of Chinese power, technology, and innovation. However, in recent years, the once proud and mighty wall has largely deteriorated at the hands of tourists and corrupt Chinese workers. How could humans single-handedly end the legacy of China’s powerful Great Wall?
History
During the Qin Dynasty (221-206 BCE), constant attacks from the Xiongnu (a nomadic tribe that mastered the art of riding on horseback) and the northern Mongols threatened the prosperity and safety of the Qin empire. In order to protect against northern invasion, the establishment of the Great Wall began under orders from the First Emperor Shi Huangdi. This fortified barrier would stretch approximately 13,200 miles along China’s northern-most border, connecting the western Jiayuguan Pass to the eastern Hushan Mountains. Built primarily by soldiers, slaves, and criminals, the Great Wall’s construction would span hundreds of years until it was completed in the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). This wall would oversee turning points in Chinese history including the Battle of Gaixia as well as the Chou-Han civil war. Although this powerful divider proved critical in combat, it was rendered useless during the Qing Dynasty (1644 to 1912) as the Chinese empire expanded northwards towards Mongolia. Slowly falling into destitution and decay, the Great Wall was classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987 and attempts at preservation were finally made.
A Crumbling Monument
Although adverse weather conditions have already eroded nearly one-third of the Great Wall, human actions have caused a majority of the wall to be deemed inadequately preserved. According to local Chinese historians and preservationists, “there are only about 600 miles of the wall left in stable condition.” How could humans possibly be responsible for the deterioration of nearly 90% of this towering monument?
This decline in improvement is largely caused by dishonest businessmen stealing bricks and stones from the Great Wall in order to avoid material expenses for construction projects. Visited by nearly four million tourists annually, this wall has become a leading source of tourism revenue for the Chinese government. With this influx of foreign tourists, local villagers frequently sell stolen pieces of the wall for a quick and easy cash grab. As admirers flock to gaze at this magnificent building, graffiti and other instances of vandalism have dramatically spiked, defacing the ancient bricks and carvings set throughout China’s history.
In attempts to preserve this landmark, the Chinese government has raised fines to 500,000 yuan for any stolen or harmed pieces. Moreover, new laws have now created harsh punishment for any acts of a destructive or malicious nature. Efforts to educate the local residents surrounding the Great Wall have been strengthened in hopes of decreasing the amount of illegal theft. Furthermore, security near the wall has increased, seeing new patrol police, drones, and sensory monitors.
Under this new reform, the Chinese government aspires to preserve one of the modern Seven Wonders of the World. Hopefully, these new plans can help save this disappearing treasure from being completely stolen at the hands of the public.
Sources:
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jul/28/china-to-crack-down-brick-by-brick-great-wall-theft
https://www.chinahighlights.com/greatwall/fact/protection.htm
https://www.ancient.eu/Great_Wall_of_China/
Amazing article! I always loved learning about the Great Wall, especially because of how its role through history has inverted: The Great Wall was built to keep people out, and now it’s attracting people to go to China. I imagined that nature would erode the wall away over time, but I had no idea about the wall being slowly destroyed by human actions as well. The Great Wall has a rich history, and it’d be a shame for the wall to fall due to dishonest businessmen stealing bricks and stones from it. I’m glad that China is taking actions against stealing and harming pieces, and I hope that further awareness and education can result in the wall being preserved for the next generation!
Awesome article! I can’ believe the Great Wall is deteriorating due to human actions. I find it really frustrating when people just ruin monuments that they should be thankful it even exists. We can’t change the weather to help protect the Great Wall but I’m thankful the government is taking actions to help improve it.
Great article! Learning about the Great Wall in Global History, I’ve always been curious about its state and popularity today. Sure, it has served as a barrier and a tourist attraction for thousands of years, but it’s saddening to see such a grand monument deteriorating. Important history should be preserved, so I believe the Chinese is doing a good thing for culture and humanity around the world. Very informational piece, thanks for sharing!