Construction workers in central Shanxi province have caused severe damage to a section of China’s Great Wall. They utilized an excavator to create a shortcut for their work, widening an existing cavity in the 32nd Great Wall. This reckless act resulted in “irreversible damage to the integrity of the Ming Great Wall and to the safety of the cultural relics.” Both individuals involved, a 38-year-old man and a 55-year-old woman, have been detained, and an investigation is underway.
The 32nd Great Wall, located in Youyu county, is a provincial-level historical and cultural site within the Ming Great Wall. Authorities were alerted to the damage on August 24th, and this UNESCO World Heritage site, dating back to 220 BC and expanded during the Ming Dynasty, has faced various threats over the years. A 2016 report indicated that over 30% of the Ming Great Wall has disappeared, with only 8% considered well-preserved.
