Prepare to be shocked! Two daring individuals have been apprehended for their audacious act of using machinery to create a breach in a section of the magnificent Great Wall near Youyu in central Shanxi province. This jaw-dropping incident was reported by the esteemed state-owned newspaper China Daily.
Hold on tight, because it gets even more thrilling! Local authorities wasted no time in charging these culprits with the serious offense of destroying a cultural relic. The investigation began when a report of the damage was received on August 24. The police, displaying remarkable detective skills, managed to track down the suspects by following a trail from the damaged wall that led them to neighboring Horinger County.
Prepare to be amazed as we delve into the fascinating history of the Great Wall of China. This awe-inspiring structure is a series of ancient walls and fortifications that stretch over a mind-boggling 20,000 kilometers (12,427 miles) across northern China. Can you believe it? It was constructed over centuries, from the third century BCE to the 17th century CE, as a formidable defense against invasions from northern nomadic tribes, protecting the mighty Imperial China.
Hold your breath, because there’s more! The Great Wall of China is not just any ordinary wall. It holds immense historical and architectural significance, so much so that it was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987. It’s a testament to the ingenuity and resilience of the ancient Chinese civilization.
Now, close your eyes and imagine the awe-inspiring sight of the Great Wall. You’re probably envisioning the majestic brick walls and picturesque fortifications that were erected during the glorious Ming Dynasty (1368-1644 CE), famously known as the Ming Great Wall. But wait, there’s a twist! The Great Wall is not limited to just one grand aspect. There are parts of the wall that are less grand and unfortunately, many sections of the older wall have crumbled over time. Even the mighty Ming-era wall has seen better days.
Prepare to be astonished! It has been reported that a staggering 30 percent of the Ming Great Wall has vanished or fallen into ruin. While natural erosion plays a role, it’s disheartening to know that reckless human activity has also contributed to its deterioration – just like the actions of this troublesome duo of builders.
