Retiree rams home the need to protect ancient earthwork

Since its founding, the association has published books, shot a publicity video, opened up an exhibition hall and collaborated with the municipal government in developing policies, as well as hosting a range of events centered on the Great Wall's history and culture.

Zhang Zhongqiu, counselor of the association, says that external sponsorship is limited and, as such, Yuan has drawn more than 100,000 yuan ($13,970) from her own savings to maintain the organization's operation.

Zhang met Yuan more than 10 years ago at a "plogging" event — jogging while picking up trash — along the Datong section.

Since then, he has worked with Yuan to host similar outdoor events centered on the protection of the Great Wall, and when Yuan decided to establish the association, he was among the first to join.

"Most of us are participating on a part-time basis, doing what we can when we've got the time, but Yuan has fully devoted herself to the cause. Those who are familiar with her often joke that she is married to the Great Wall," Zhang says.

"As long as the weather permits, she will be wandering along the Great Wall every day. Especially after the establishment of the association, she has been going to the site whenever she can, leaving home at dawn and returning after nightfall. We can always see her posting photos in our group chat."

On her early field trips, she noticed sheep tracks on the remaining sections of the Great Wall as shepherds kept their flock on the structure.

However, she believed that people living and working in proximity to the structure can be an effective force in protection.

"With my years of experience in protecting the Great Wall, I know that the people who lack a basic understanding of heritage preservation are not doing the damage deliberately. They simply do not understand its importance," Yuan says.

By speaking to the locals on her excursions, she has persuaded 52 shepherds, cowherds and farmers to join the preservation cause.

These members are now volunteers of the association, who are going about their business without doing any damage, but instead keeping an eye on the Great Wall and preventing tourists from climbing onto the structure.

"It's all about attitude. I will speak to them over and over again, in a calm manner, about the history, stories and current situation of the Great Wall. My advantage is that I have sincerity and more than enough patience to do so."