The Regulations on the Conservation of the Great Wall in Beijing came into effect on March 1. Guided by a holistic conservation approach, Beijing has incorporated into protection not only the Great Wall itself but also related cultural heritage and its surrounding environment, thereby fostering a new framework for the preservation, inheritance, and sustainable use of this cultural heritage.

By leveraging technologies such as remote sensing and mapping, and 3D modeling, Beijing is advancing the establishment of a smart system featuring integrated space–ground coverage, dynamic monitoring, and data sharing. This system will enable real-time monitoring and early warnings of potential risks to the Great Wall and its surrounding environment. Meanwhile, a digital archive platform is being built to systematically document the Great Wall's form and structural characteristics and conservation status, providing data support for restoration planning and risk management.

Technological tools are now assisting traditional manual patrols. To address issues such as illegal climbing of unrestored or non-open sections, often referred to as the "Wild Great Wall", the Regulations have introduced innovative, refined supervisory measures. These allow district-level cultural heritage authorities and Great Wall protection institutions to use technological means such as electronic fences to warn of risks and discourage unauthorized climbing.

The Regulations have paved a new path for the revitalization and utilization of the Great Wall, including a dedicated chapter on "Utilization and Inheritance". This chapter clearly mandates the establishment of a system for evaluation, management, and dynamic adjustment of tourist areas, and the building of the Great Wall national cultural park and the Great Wall cultural belt. For qualified sections, measures such as visitor capacity limits and reservation-based flow control will be implemented to ensure orderly access, gradually meeting public demand for a close-up experience at the Great Wall.

Meanwhile, Beijing encourages study tours, the development of cultural and creative products, and digital displays. It also supports cultural venues along the Great Wall in organizing themed exhibitions, helping integrate the Great Wall culture into modern life.

Looking ahead, more scenic routes of the Great Wall will be opened to the public. Currently, Yanqing District is developing a world-class Badaling Great Wall Scenic Area, which will feature a 16.5-kilometer touring route, connecting the Water Pass Great Wall, the Badaling Great Wall, the Ancient Great Wall, and the Huajiayao Great Wall. This year, Yanqing also plans to open the continuous stretch of the Great Wall between Badaling and Huajiayao.

(Source: Beijing Fabu)