The guardians of China’s Great Wall

The Great Wall is more than just an architectural wonder; it stands as a symbol of resilience, ambition and the rich dynastic history of China, remaining a source of national pride. Stretching over 21,000km across 15 provinces, this man-made marvel has stood the test of time for over 2,000 years, during which numerous emperors have built and rebuilt the chain of fortifications to defend their borders. While large swathes of the bulwark have been damaged or disintegrated with time, a generation of Great Wall guardians is stepping up to protect it, following in the footsteps of three men who have led the way in preserving the legacy of this iconic landmark.

HUAIROU, Beijing – For almost 50 years of his life, master Great Wall restorer Cheng Yongmao, 68, had never scaled the mighty fortification, despite a childhood diet of stories from his grandfather about the world-famous relic.