The Simatai Great Wall, one of the sections of Great Wall north of Beijing, will be undergoing large-scale repairs this year.

The repairs, said an official of the Simatai scenic area, aims to reinforce some of the already loosening parts of the Great Wall. Repairs will begin soon but will not restrict people from continuing to visit the area.

Several members in the Municipal Political Consultative Conference have called for regulations on the protection of the Great Wall.

The Simatai section of the Great Wall, located 110 kilometers northeast of Beijing, has 135 watchtowers. The 19-kilometre stretch of the historic construction is somewhat dangerous to climb but offers splendid views as it meanders up and down the precipitous ridges of Yanshan Mountain.

(CRI May 20, 2006)