credit Hector Mackenzie
The spectacular view from one of the watchtowers on the Simatai stretch of the Great Wall of China draws hundreds of thousands of visitors every year. Along with visitors, the wall attracts tenacious local hawkers selling everything from "I Climbed the Great Wall" badges to picture postcards. Human impact has already taken a heavy toll on this wonder of the world.
credit Hector Mackenzie
The Simatai section of the Great Wall, some 120 kilometers northeast of Beijing, is considered one of the most spectacular stretches of China’s No. 1 tourist draw. While this area is relatively well-protected, other less-acclaimed stretches have been subject to the unchecked ravages of time and the damaging impact of people.
credit Hector Mackenzie
While less-visited sections of the Great Wall are deteriorating from natural exposure, more popular areas fall prey to souvenir hunters, litter and foot traffic. Bricks carved with people’s names in them sell for $3 each.
