Great Wall of China Disappearing as Locals Use Bricks for Homes, Tourists for Keepsakes

Centuries-old sections of the Great Wall, originally constructed with rammed earth, have weathered over time, often resembling mere mounds rather than the iconic structure. Local farmers are implicated in the gradual degradation, pilfering bricks and stones to construct homes or enclosures for their animals. Additionally, tourists contribute to the loss by taking pieces of the wall as keepsakes, further exacerbating its deterioration.