Shortcut shenanigans: Construction workers arrested for breaking through the China Great Wall with an excavator
Beijing, China. China’s Great Wall, a symbol of ancient history and a UNESCO-protected cultural treasure, has weathered invasions by the likes of Genghis Khan and the Manchus. Now, it finds itself facing a new threat: a couple of construction workers named Zheng and Wang, who, authorities allege, decided to carve a shortcut through this iconic landmark.
Chinese authorities have taken swift action, arresting the two individuals responsible for smashing a path through a section of the Great Wall, which stretches over 8,850 kilometers (5,500 miles) and is primarily associated with the Ming Dynasty. The breach occurred in a less-visited, partially deteriorated section located hundreds of kilometers west of Beijing, in Youyu County, Shanxi province.
The audacious move came to light when the local government released images of a dirt road rudely carved through the wall, along with photos of the two suspects. Zheng, a 38-year-old man, and Wang, a 55-year-old woman, reportedly orchestrated this act to create a more convenient route for their construction work in nearby towns.
Despite being in a state of partial disrepair, this section of the Great Wall remains historically significant, holding “important preservation and research value,” according to local authorities. China takes immense pride in its Great Wall, constructed mainly during the Ming Dynasty (lasting until 1644), symbolizing patriotism, resilience, and the ability to withstand external pressures.
The Great Wall’s rich history includes periods of abandonment and local pillaging, only to be revived as a powerful symbol of China’s national identity and historical grandeur by the Communist government. The wall is a testament to the collision and interchange between ancient agricultural civilizations and nomadic cultures in China’s history, as recognized by UNESCO.
The arrests of Zheng and Wang were prompted by a report of the breach on August 24, according to the Youyu County government. The two suspects are now in custody, with further legal actions pending. Meanwhile, this audacious incident serves as a reminder of the need to protect and preserve these remarkable cultural and historical treasures that connect the present with a rich, millennia-old past.
AP first reported the story.
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
