The Great Wall of China may not be doing great after all, as figures supplied by the Chinese government revealed that the heritage site was slowly crumbling.
In 2012, the State Administration of Cultural Heritage released figures showing that about 30%, or 1,961 kilometers, of the wall had disappeared, and, 1,185 kilometers were found to be in poor structural state.
Since then, the fortification has continued to crumble. TIME reports that human activities, including the theft of bricks by residents for use in housing construction, contributed much to the deterioration. The wall was also found to be weather-beaten, and plants that grow within it have sped up the destruction.
Also, tourists flocking to sections of the wall that are least visited, referred to as the "Wild Great Wall," likewise contributed to the deterioration.
The Beijing Times quoted Great Wall Society of China vice-president Dong Yaohui as saying that even though the walls were made of stone and brick, they were not strong enough to withstand wind and rain exposure.
"It's a great pity to witness the Great Wall in such a devastated state," Mei Jingtian, a volunteer at the Great Wall Protection Association, told CNN.
The Great Wall of China was first constructed in the 3<sup>rd century B.C., but nearly 6,300 kilometers were erected during the Ming Dynasty from 1368 to1644.
The wall is not a single, continuous fortification but rather, extends for a thousand miles in segments. Despite the long stretch, the wall is not always visible from outer space, contrary to popular claims.
Laws against vandalizing the Great Wall have existed since 2006, and those who break these laws could face a fine of up to $800. However, officials say these laws are difficult to enforce.
