Etching your name into the stones of the Great Wall of China after completing your visit is immoral and will be a punishable offence under new regulations which take effect on Dec. 1, 2006.

The information is announced in a briefing on the Regulation held at the foot of the Badaling section of the Great Wall on Wednesday, Beijing Evening News reported.

Altogether seven activities are to be banned on the Great Wall, namely removing earth, bricks and stones from the wall, planting crops on the wall, daubing or etching inscriptions, installing facilities unrelated to Great Wall protection, driving across the wall, exhibiting articles that may damage the wall and organizing activities in off-limit sections. These regulations will be added to China's current cultural relics protection law.

According to the regulation, those spraying graffiti or writing on the Great Wall will be subjected to a fine of 200 to 500 yuan. Other violations will incur penalties as high as 50,000 yuan (about US$6,410) for individuals and 500,000 yuan (about US$64,100) for organizations. 

In terms of tourist flux to the Great Wall, an official said this would be restricted through ticket sales. However, up till now the number of tourists at the Badaling section of the Great Wall is still within parameters and there is no need to impose restrictions as of yet.

(Xinhua News Agency and Chinanews.cn December 1, 2006)