By Shi Fang, Pan Junqiang, People’s Daily
As early summer unfolds, the Badaling section of the Great Wall is in full verdure. By nightfall, illuminated by soft lights, the ancient fortification glows like a luminous dragon, creating a stunning and powerful scene.
This renewed vitality of the centuries-old landmarkreflects Beijing’s sustained and high-level commitment to its conservation. By transforming the Great Wall’s profound cultural and historical legacy into a driver of development, the city is ensuring broader public engagement with — and benefit from — this national treasure.
The Great Wall stands as a defining symbol of the Chinese nation and a testament to its ancient civilization. In recent years, Beijing has intensified efforts to protect, preserve, and repurpose this irreplaceable cultural heritage, balancing rigorous safeguards with efforts to let its legacy resonate in the present day.
On a recent afternoon near Tower 120 of the Jiankou section, restoration work was in full swing. Technicians used drones and other advanced equipment to collect data on the wall and its surrounding environment. From the contours of the terrain and nearby vegetation to tiny cracks in the towers, continuously updated 3D digital models are capturing every detail.
Leveraging 3D imaging and virtual reality technologies, Beijing has enhanced digital preservation and presentation, ensuring comprehensive documentation for future restoration and exhibitions.
Over time, more than 110 conservation projects have been completed. The city has also established a practical restoration training base and launched research-based restoration programs. Technological innovations — such as the “Beijing Great Wall e-Patrol” platform — have enabled a shift from emergency repairs to preventive conservation.
In Gubeikou township located in Beijing’s Miyun district, four themed study-tour routes centered around the Great Wall have drawn increasing numbers of visitors. These routes offer both photogenic stops and immersive lessons on Great Wall history and culture. Local cultural and tourism authorities are leveraging cultural landmarks — such as the Simatai section, the 24-Eye Tower, and the general tower — to deepen public understanding and appreciation of the site’s heritage.
Beijing is also pushing forward the creative transformation and innovative development of Great Wall culture. Major initiatives include building the Beijing section of the Great Wall national cultural park, upgrading the China Great Wall Museum, and staging public events such as a Beijing Great Wall cultural festival and a concert. Enhanced signage at key sites — Jiankou, Gubeikou, and Badaling sections — and immersive musical stage performances are further enriching the visitor experience, helping to invigorate this ancient heritage.
In Shixia village nestled along the Great Wall, time-worn stone paths, crenel replicas, and traditional courtyards evoke the site’s historic charm. Tourists come in a steady stream.
“During the May Day holiday, our guesthouses were fully booked,” said He Yuling, founder of a homestay business themed around the Great Wall. Over the years, the village has developed multiple homestays along with a distillery, an oil press, a coffee shop, and a Great Wall library — together forming an integrated chain of agriculture, culture, and tourism that is bringing prosperity to local residents.
These villages owe their existence — and enduring vitality — to the Great Wall. By leveraging this cultural heritage, Beijing is exploring new models of integrated cultural and tourism development. The city has introduced a range of Great Wall-themed cultural and creative brands, launched specialty products such as themed ice creams, and expandedexperiential tourism offerings like study tours. These efforts are creating new momentum for comprehensive rural vitalization.
While preserving the Great Wall, Beijing is working to enhance the global profile of this world-class cultural heritage.
