From protection to patrimony

In 2006, the Han and Ming walls were designated a national key cultural relic protection unit, and the county was chosen as a pilot area for Great Wall conservation efforts. In 2020, the Shandan section of the Ming Great Wall was included in the initial list of significant Great Wall sections by the National Cultural Heritage Administration.

In recent years, with the advancement of the Great Wall National Cultural Park project, the Shandan Great Wall has received better systematic protection and restoration, and has also been integrated with tourism and cultural heritage to become a cultural scenic area.

Since the launch of the national project in 2021, the Shandan Great Wall has been incorporated into the park sections within the province. The northwestern province is home to 3,654 km of Great Wall, placing it the second in the country in terms of remains. The Shandan section will be the demonstration section of "the throat of Ganzhou and Liangzhou "scenic route.

"Since the release of national and provincial plans for the Great Wall National Cultural Park, we have swiftly implemented several key projects. We got 20 million yuan ($2.76 million) from the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-25) for cultural heritage, and have focused on the area from Xiakou to Xinheyi," says Ge Qin, head of Shandan county's culture, sports, radio, film and tourism bureau.

"We have completed essential infrastructure, including a Great Wall protection and exhibition service center, patrol trails, and guide signage. Additionally, we have worked hard on projects for the Wall's restoration, and digital exhibitions," he says.

Now the Han and Ming Great Wall Museum has been set up as an initial cultural tourism system centered on the Great Wall scenic area, supported by cultural and museum venues.

"With support from national and provincial funding, we have undertaken projects such as the Great Wall cultural corridor and digital preservation," Ge says. "These efforts have strengthened physical protection and promoted the integration of culture and tourism."

Shandan has also introduced several tourist routes that combine the Great Wall with historical villages and equine culture. It has also hosted events to release information about the Wall and promote the development of its tourism industry.