A massive project has reportedly now been approved, which will see large parts of the Great Wall of China being restored to its former glory. The country's government revealed that the project will involve significant parts of the Jiankou Great Wall, which is located in the northern part of the Huairou district.
Leading the restoration project is the National Cultural Heritage Administration. The same agency also approved the restoration project, which will reportedly cover around 2,722 meters of the Great Wall. The restoration efforts will involve the reconstruction and fixing of 17 towers located on the almost 3,000-meter length of the structure.
According to the cultural agency, the project will start in August. Work will begin at the eastern part of the Jiankou Great Wall, which is expected to be completed within one year. After that part is renovated, work will immediately begin at the southern part of the wall from 2020 to 2021.
While some parts of the 7,952-meter structure have already been renovated, other parts that are located on steep mountains and unfavorable terrain have been neglected. Most of the wall that is located north of Beijing and near tourist centers have already been extensively renovated. The series of fortifications are mostly comprised of wood, stone, brick, and tamped earth. The Great Wall was built during the Ming Dynasty, sometime within 1368 to 1644.
Over the centuries, most of the materials that were used to build the walls and towers have deteriorated, with some parts being completely destroyed by either natural causes or man-made. According to the cultural agency, over 22 percent of the original Ming Great Wall has disappeared. Villagers often take stones from the wall to rebuild their houses, while others steal inscribed bricks to sell to the market.
China has so far been very active in trying to restore the entire structure, which is known to be one of the most impressive architectural builds in history. The country has repaired some sectors of the wall, with over almost 1,500 meters already fully restored and renovated. In fact, there is actually an ongoing restoration effort for an additional 744 meters that is expected to be completed within the year.
Since 2016, China has spent close to US$55.9 million in protecting and restoring the structure, which is comprised of various substructures such as troop barracks, garrison stations, watch towers, and signal towers. Millions of tourists from all over the world currently flock to the country to visit the Great Wall. Tourists drop by to marvel at the structures magnificence and to learn more about its historical value.
