Elevator construction mars ancient walls in Xi'an

The ancient wall, visited by US First Lady Michelle Obama and her daughters and mother in March, is one of the city's must-see tourist attractions, enjoying as much popularity as the Museum of Terra Cotta Warriors and Horses.[Photo/Xinhua]

Construction of two elevators on China's most preserved ancient wall in Xi'an, capital of Shaanxi province, has triggered public outcry, forcing operators to halt construction.

Gauze-covered scaffolding for the elevator building still spans the battlement of a section of the 13.74-km long ancient walls dating back to the Ming Dynasty 600 years ago.

Xinhua reporters observed that two battlements on top of the wall were damaged by installation of the scaffolding.

The ancient wall, visited by US First Lady Michelle Obama and her daughters and mother in March, is one of the city's must-see tourist attractions, enjoying as much popularity as the Museum of Terra Cotta Warriors and Horses.

The administration committee of the ancient walls said in a written reply to Xinhua that the elevators were planned to aid disabled and elderly tourists and as a fast way to reach the top of the wall, which is 12 meters above ground.

The committee said it had reported to the city's cultural relic bureau for the elevator construction project and submitted relevant design charts.