Tourist detained for vandalizing Great Wall

A tourist has been placed under administrative detention for five days and fined 200 yuan ($28) for carving her name into the walls of the Badaling section of the Great Wall in Beijing's Yanqing district, according to a report by Beijing Daily on Monday.

The woman, identified by her surname Tang, was observed by other tourists using her keys to etch her name into the historic structure. The incident was promptly reported to the authorities.

Following the report, police from the Badaling police station launched a thorough investigation. Utilizing videos and photos captured by witnesses, police traced Tang's itinerary, successfully identifying her and the details of the tour group she was traveling with.

Tang was located and detained by authorities at the Summer Palace, approximately 65 kilometers away in Beijing's Haidian district, after her visit to the Great Wall.

In addition to the detention and fine, Tang has been blacklisted from visiting the Badaling scenic spot as a punitive measure.

Police emphasized the importance of protecting the historical and cultural significance of the Great Wall. To combat vandalism and destruction of cultural relics, law enforcement and the Badaling scenic spot management have intensified efforts to enhance surveillance and deterrence measures.

The Badaling section has installed 26 additional signs prohibiting carving at key locations, such as entrances and popular photo spots. The scenic area also employs large screens, broadcasts, and the ticket-purchasing system to promote the prohibition against carving.

Tour guides from travel agencies are required to inform tourists about the prohibition of carving and other uncivilized behaviors.

Over the past three years, Badaling police have handled 45 cases of defacement, resulting in the administrative detention of 41 individuals and warnings issued to four offenders.