Soon after, they caught the pair who had been using a metal detector to locate cultural relics underground, unearthing ancient coins, bronze mirror fragments and other items.

According to Luo, they have been teaching about the Great Wall in nearby villages for two decades in an effort to raise awareness of the need to protect its legacy. Academic seminars were also held to help the villagers better understand and preserve the relics.

Therefore, major conservation challenges have turned to protecting the overall natural environment of the area and safeguarding against destruction caused by intense rainfall, flood, water loss and soil erosion.

According to Luo, who drafted the preliminary plan for the county's Great Wall national cultural park, on the basis of preservation, they will build an exhibition hall of around 300 square meters near the Kangtugou section, which is close to the county seat and has convenient transportation links, to display the history and culture of the Great Wall.

They will also develop cultural tourism centered around the Great Wall near the Chunkun Mountain, a dazzling travel spot around 60 km from the county seat.

Dong's association has been providing intellectual support for grassroots cultural relics preservation initiatives, including that of Guyang, to help people better understand national policies and assist in drafting conservation plans and measures.

He particularly stresses that their planning should suit the local situation.

"Both the historical construction and current preservation of the Great Wall reflect the Chinese people's long pursuit of peace. We don't want war, otherwise we wouldn't have to make so much effort," Dong says, adding that preserving the Great Wall is actually passing on this hope.

"Therefore, we should not only protect the wall itself, but also dig deep into its cultural and spiritual values," he adds.

Both Dong and Luo urge more people to learn about the wall and its preservation and development.

Contact the writers at [email protected]