THESINGAPOREAN-INBEIJING.BLOGSPOT
我们的故事，你们来聆听
Friday, December 12, 2008
Places of interest 2 The Great Wall of China had stood strong for thousands of years, withstanding all kinds of beatings from the wind and rainstorms. It is the symbol of impenetrable and continuity, displaying the very idea of Chinese isolationist and mighty prowess to the fullest. It was built to protect the northern borders of the Chinese empire and till this day, it is still the national icon of China for the Chinese are proud of their creation of Great Wall. The fact that it was rebuilt 4 times between the 5th century BC and the 16th century shows a sense of continuity by the Chinese. In addition, it was built on mountainous terrains and rivers, which in the eyes of Chinese, represents the country. In other words, it means that the Great Wall, 6400km long transcends across the country. Lastly, the Great Wall represents the territorial integrity of China.
However, what was once originally theirs have now been tainted by outsiders, as throngs of tourists rush to see this magnificent architecture. Just days after I returned back home, part of the Great Wall had collapsed. While I believed the Chinese government will do all it can to protect this national treasure, one wonder how long the Great Wall can really stand? Tourists have been vandalizing the Great Wall and other places of interests that they visited. While their actions might have been unintentional to spoil these architectures, ultimately their actions will only spoil it. And hundred years down the road, would future generation still be able to witness these structures?
On second thoughts, I also wonder whether the locals really welcome us, tourists. While tourism will bring in profits for them, it has also sought of robbed them of their ‘uniqueness’. China is now no different from the rest, relying heavily on global economic as she opens her door to the world. They will now have to share their culture, their things with the rest of the world. But personally, I feel this is alright. Tourism will only help China to scale greater heights. This is just a transition phase, what they lost, they will get back in the end.