The Beijing authorities' decision to put the Badaling section of the Great Wall back under State management is a distinct possibility.

Furthermore, all the revenue from entrance tickets at the section will go towards relics protection. This move comes as the municipal government shows an eagerness to protect the pride of Beijing and China.

Management over the Great Wall reflects the development of the Chinese market economy. This section was managed in 1997 by the Badaling Tourism Development Co, which had a business co-operation with a foreign company. Years later, the corporation, together with another company, was listed on the stock market. The management of the Badaling section has remained with this company ever since.

The return is based on a regulation on protecting and managing the Great Wall issued by the  Beijing municipal governmentin 2003. It says that no work units or individuals are allowed to manage the Great Wall as their own assets.

The grand structure, built in stages over 10 dynasties starting from 221 BC, was made a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987. Among its several sections in Beijing, the Badaling Great Wall, which lies 50 miles northwest of the capital, is the best preserved and most popular choice for tourists.

Different sections of the Wall tell different stories. Some portions near tourist centres have been preserved and even reconstructed. Before, they were used, in extreme cases, as a venue for promotional activities and parties. Some sections of the Wall are prone to graffiti and most locations are in disrepair, serving as a playground for villagers and a source of stones to rebuild houses and roads.

To preserve China's heritage, Beijing has enacted local legislation that prohibits visits to the "wild Great Wall," and has closed sections to the public.

By returning the management of the Badaling section back to the State, Beijing is ensuring the Wall for future generations.

The action is necessary. The Great Wall Society of China warned that the Wall is crumbling, unable to withstand natural deterioration and calamities caused by people. A survey the society carried out in 2002 found that less than 30 per cent of the Wall was visible.

The Wall is one of the greatest open-air museums surviving today. It displays the wisdom and craftsmanship of ancient China. It deserves our respect and meticulous care.

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