Great Wall walled off?

From the BBC:

China says it is closing off vast sections of the Great Wall to tourists and ramblers alike in an effort to protect the ancient monument from the ravages of time and trampling. From 1 August, tourists will be restricted to areas of the wall that are restored and officially designated as tourist sites. Those who stray off the beaten track could face fines.

Most of the Great Wall of China is not as it appears on the television adverts and postcards. Far from it. Most of the wall is in fact in a terrible state of repair.
It is overgrown, worn down by the elements and assaulted by locals who steal its stone.

In fact, other stories suggest that tourists and hikers are the least of the wall's concerns. Are the new restrictions primarily motivated by a desire to save the wall, or to save face?

Posted by David on July 31, 2003 9:21 AM