Tourist Detained for Carving on Great Wall

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A tourist has been subjected to administrative detention for a duration of five days and fined 200 yuan (approximately $28) for inscribing her name on the walls of the Badaling section of the Great Wall, located in the Yanqing district of Beijing, as reported by Beijing Daily on Monday.

The individual, known by her surname Tang, was seen by fellow visitors using her keys to carve her name into the ancient structure. This act was swiftly reported to the relevant authorities. In response to the report, the police from the Badaling police station initiated a comprehensive investigation. By analyzing videos and photographs taken by witnesses, they were able to trace Tang's movements and identify her along with the tour group she was part of.

Tang was subsequently located and detained by law enforcement at the Summer Palace, situated approximately 65 kilometers away in the Haidian district of Beijing, following her visit to the Great Wall. In addition to her detention and fine, Tang has been prohibited from visiting the Badaling scenic area as a form of punishment.

Authorities have underscored the necessity of safeguarding the historical and cultural integrity of the Great Wall. To address issues of vandalism and the degradation of cultural heritage, both law enforcement and the management of the Badaling scenic area have intensified their efforts to improve surveillance and deterrent strategies.    

The Badaling section has implemented 26 new signs that explicitly prohibit carving in critical areas, including entrances and popular photo locations. The scenic area also utilizes large screens, public announcements, and the ticketing system to reinforce the ban on carving.

Travel agencies are mandated to ensure that their tour guides inform visitors about the prohibition against carving and other forms of uncivilized conduct.

Over the past three years, the Badaling police have dealt with 45 cases of vandalism, leading to the administrative detention of 41 individuals and the issuance of warnings to four offenders.