Since the implementation of Regulations on the Protection of the Great Wall in Shanxi Province in 2021, Shanxi has erected an institutional protection "barrier" for over 1,400 kilometers of Great Wall within its borders, positioning itself as a nationwide exemplary province in the wall's preservation.

The Xisi section of the Great Wall site. [Photo/Shanxi Daily]

Shanxi was one of the earliest provinces to introduce specific Great Wall protection regulations that outline several innovative protection mechanisms. It clarifies the protection responsibilities of various levels of government and relevant departments, scientifically demarcates protection zones and construction control areas, and pioneers a "Great Wall Protector" system by engaging local villagers as dedicated inspection forces.

The province has assembled a team of "Great Wall Protectors", comprising 946 full-time inspectors, tasked with conducting daily patrols of 768 significant sections of the Great Wall to mitigate the risks of human-induced damage and natural erosion.

These trained protectors, equipped with intimate knowledge of the local Great Wall, promptly identify issues such as wall cracks and loose foundations, reporting problems in real-time via a dedicated app, which significantly enhances the efficiency of conservation efforts.

Since the implementation of the regulations, the province has made significant strides in its Great Wall preservation efforts, enhancing responsibility systems, restoration management, and social governance. It has established a multi-tiered linkage mechanism across provincial, municipal, county, township, and village levels, as well as an expert review system, fostering a favorable environment for public Great Wall protection.