Thousands of students from more than 80 universities in China are hiking to promote the preservation of the Great Wall. The students will conduct field studies along the way.

The launching ceremony of the Datong Great Wall excursion at the city's Hall Square in the Xinrong district in Northern China's Shanxi province on July 20.[Photo provided to China Daily]

The excursion, lasting from July 20 to August 20, divides the Ming Dynasty Great Wall into eight sections from Jiayuguan Pass to Shanhaiguan Pass. The sixth section passes through Datong city, in Northern China's Shanxi province, where the hike's opening ceremony was held on July 20 in the city's Xinrong district. Forty-six university volunteers will begin from there hiking along Datong section of the Great Wall, and finish at Badaling Great Wall in the suburbs of Beijing. The hiking distance is around 450 kilometers, and hikers will spend at least five days walking within the border of Datong.

The hike is organized by the China Culture Relics Protection Foundation, in a joint effort with Special Funds for the Protection of the Great Wall and the Oriental Youth Development Center. A Datong medical team from the Red Cross will provide rescue services along the way.

At the opening ceremony, a photo exhibition on both the protection of the Great Wall and the construction of its economic belt was on show. A signature campaign for its preservation was also held.

The volunteers will carry their luggage with them and camp in open air. When low on food, they will visit nearby marketplaces and villages. The temperature on the day of the ceremony was above 30 C, and local residents brought beverages and ice water to the volunteers in support of their cause.