A famous part of the Great Wall – known as “Moon Gate” – collapsed earlier this week due to high winds, The Straits Times reports. The 500-year-old section of the Wall was part of a former watchtower that was built during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). The well-known landmark is located on the Guangwu section of the wall in Shanxi Province.
Officials in Shanxi Province have cited the reason for the sudden collapse of the Wall on Monday was because of high winds in the area. However, rumors are circulating that the structure actually fell because residents in the area commonly use the Wall's bricks for local construction projects. Exposure to natural elements also played a role.
The incident comes just weeks after a 700-year-old stretch of a “wild” section of the Wall was cemented over with a smooth concrete-like substance in the name of restoration.
Such restoration efforts have been widely criticized in recent months.
Back in 2006, the Great Wall Protection Ordinance was passed in order to help restore and preserve the historic landmark. However, despite these efforts many areas of the Wall are rapidly falling into disrepair.
"Less than 10 percent of the Great Wall remains in good condition,” said Dong Yaohui, vice president of the China Great Wall Society. “Around 20 percent is badly damaged, and 30 percent has already disappeared."
Many blame low renovation standards and the lack of specific procedures for the Wall’s demise.
[Image via China Daily, Asia News Network]
0 User Comments