Great Wall of China: Newly constructed section of iconic structure collapses after heavy rainfall while ancient wall stands firm
A newly constructed section of the Great Wall of China collapsed after heavy rainfall last month. Reports state experts are blaming the destruction of the northern part of the iconic landmark on poor-quality renovations. The renovations were recently done because of the weakening foundation of the 13,173 miles long structure.
The Chinese Communist Party newspaper, Global Times, in a report, said that "the 500-year-old Yanmen Pass has stood for centuries without 'help' from local officials."
While another report on China's popular social networking platform, WeChat, stated that another site associated with the Great Wall beside the Yellow River had also collapsed recently because of the heavy rainfall the area has been witnessing.
A citizen journalist, on WeChat, wrote, "Sometimes I was thinking why you [people renovating the Wall] can't do things more seriously. Why can't you devote all your energy?" according to the Newsweek.
The article struck a chord with the readers who in return are not happy with the poor renovation projects along the Great Wall, which in return is reported to be widespread all over the country.
The Yanmen Pass Scenic Area, in a statement released on July 23, said that the collapsed area will be closed for repairs. The statement also added that a reopening date will be shortly announced.
The notice said, "Due to the recent heavy rains, some areas of Yanmenquan Scenic Area have collapsed. In order to maintain the safety of the scenic spots and tourists, the operation will be suspended and closed for repairs from July 22, 2018. The opening hours will be announced separately."
The Chinese government, over the recent years, has amped up its efforts to maintain and renovate certain sections of the Great Wall in an attempt to attract tourism to the country. However, experts have warned that similar incidents like the collapse in the Yanmen Pass could occur because of the low-quality renovations, and could also inflict permanent damage to the Great Wall.
Reports state that the workers who renovated a particular section of the Wall in Datong, in the Shanxi Province, in June were heavily criticized for using modern materials disguised as ancient bricks in the process.
In 2016, several eyewitnesses reported that a section of the Wall which was renovated in the Liaoning Province had left a part of the monument paved with smooth cement.