As we explore the Great Wall of China, the largest and most widely recognized cultural heritage site in the world, we can’t help but reflect on its significance. With a construction history exceeding 2,000 years, it embodies the resilient spirit of the Chinese people and their unwavering patriotism. Today, we’re joining the “Cultural China Tour” series to witness how technology is enhancing the beauty of this ancient landmark.
In October’s golden autumn, the renowned Jiayuguan Pass, known as the “First Victory Pass Under Heaven,” stands in striking alignment with the majestic Qilian Mountains. Tourists are flocking to capture memories within the bustling walls of the fort. However, outside the pass, the Great Wall silently stretches into the vast desert. Near the first beacon of the Jiayuguan Great Wall, we observe a wall guardian using an anemometer to measure wind speed at the base of the Wall.
Dr. Zhang Bin, Director of the Great Wall Protection Research Institute at the Jiayuguan Silk Road Culture Research Academy, states, “Here we see the effects of wind and snow, alongside freeze-thaw cycles, creating significant erosion—potentially as deep as 20 centimeters. Our routine maintenance, which includes tamping, is crucial for stabilizing the wall.”
Thanks to technological advancements, even the smallest changes in the Wall are being monitored and precisely restored, shifting our preservation approach from reactive to preventive. In Shanhaiguan, the Great Wall winds down steep cliffs like a dragon, revealing its formidable character. Through extensive field research and careful selection, scientists have identified filamentous cyanobacteria as an effective solution against rainwater erosion, successfully cultivating it on the surface of the earthen wall. Advanced technologies such as LiDAR, infrared monitoring, and 360-degree imaging robots, along with drone surveillance, are now integral to the Wall’s preservation, ensuring its continued splendor despite the ravages of time.
Liu Wenyang, Deputy Director of the National Cultural Park Protection Research Institute, shares, “The philosophy behind the Great Wall’s construction is to respect local conditions and materials, understanding that nature will take its course, much like human aging. Our goal is to honor its original appearance and follow the principle of minimal intervention. If the structure is intact, we maintain that condition; if it’s damaged, we aim to prevent further risks. This respect for the Great Wall and cultural heritage is paramount.”
Spanning 15 provinces and measuring over 21,196 kilometers, the Great Wall features around 43,000 remaining sites and stands as a testament to the development and transformation of the Chinese nation. It symbolizes the resilience and indomitable spirit of this ancient civilization. In 2021, the “Great Wall National Cultural Park Construction and Protection Plan” was officially launched. In Aksu, Xinjiang, the newly opened Wushi Biedili Beacon Tower National Cultural Park at the westernmost end of the Great Wall has already welcomed over 160,000 visitors this year. In Gansu’s Jiayuguan, innovative approaches are being developed to express the culture of the Great Wall. The sun setting over the desert, with the Jiayuguan fortress illuminated under the night sky, brings the vibrant scenes of a bustling Silk Road market to life. These vivid moments in history shine through the ancient walls, revitalized in the interplay of light and shadow.
