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Controversial restoration undermined Great Wall's historical features: investigators

Xinhua, September 28, 2016 Adjust font size:

The recent restoration of a section of the Great Wall, which left part of the landmark in northeast China nearly unrecognizable, was done without any conservation for the original features, an investigator said Tuesday, while defending the decision to approve the repair plan.

In a press conference held in Beijing, Lu Qiong, a deputy director with the State Administration of Cultural Heritage (SACH) who is in charge of preservation and archaeological studies, admitted that incomplete records and inadequate discussions prior to the work had resulted in the substandard restoration.

However, Lu underscored, the approval procedures were in line with regulations, and the contractors were fully qualified.

Chinese netizens rained criticism on officials this month over the smoothing-over of a crumbling but much-loved 700-year-old section of the Great Wall.

Pictures of the paved-over section triggered public outcry, with many complaining about the appearance, which resulted in a state cultural heritage watchdog investigation.

The nine-kilometer section in Suizhong County, Liaoning Province, was sometimes called the "most beautiful wild Great Wall" by Chinese tourists. Renovation efforts lasted from 2013 to 2014.

The local cultural authority told local media outlets earlier this month that the project was both "legal and sensible."

According to Lu, 780 meters of the Great Wall had been paved-over, cement was used for some parts.

Lu said experts agreed that "the work had severely undermined the Great Wall's pristine and natural historical features," and, thus, was a violation of regulations on the Great Wall's preservation.

SACH has asked Liaoning provincial authorities to reevaluate the project and "deal with those responsible."

Meanwhile, Lu also said SACH was aware that it had failed to ensure adequate supervision after the repair plan was approved.

It has already ordered checks on on-going preservation projects of the Great Wall in 15 provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities to rule out similar problems, Lu said. Endit