Two Tourists Arrested for Carving Names on the Great Wall of China

October 8, 2025 | 08:45 am

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Two tourists have been arrested for carving their names on the brick of the Great Wall of China, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The act of vandalism was reported by a staff member from Gubei Water Town, a popular tourist area near Beijing, on Friday, October 4, 2025. The two tourists were local visitors exploring the Simatai section of the Great Wall.

According to Travel and Tour World, the damage was noticed around 4:30 pm. The tourists not only carved their names but also added additional patterns, damaging the structure.

In response, the police launched an investigation and apprehended the suspects on Saturday morning. The investigation revealed that the tourists had arrived at the tourist area at around 2:00 pm on Friday. At 4:30 pm, they used a stone to carve their names on a watchtower, and then added a pattern.

Vn Express reported that the two have been handed administrative sanctions, including detention and fines, as stated in the announcement released by the Miyun police on their official WeChat account.

The police also reminded tourists to respect cultural heritage, adhere to tourism ethics, and avoid vandalism when visiting the Great Wall.

History of the Great Wall of China

The Great Wall was built over centuries by Chinese emperors to protect their territories. The Great Wall starts in the east at Shanhaiguan, Hebei Province, and ends in the west at Jiayuguan, Gansu Province. Stretching over approximately 21,000 kilometers, this wall is a symbol of China's rich history, representing not only the military might of ancient emperors but also the cultural evolution of the nation.

Its preservation is crucial, not only for China but also for the global community. Vandalism of such monumental structures can lead to permanent damage, prompting local governments to take swift action against the offenders.

In May, two tourists from Shanghai were detained for five days and fined 200 yuan, or around Rp4.7 million each, for carving graffiti on the Badaling section of the Great Wall in Beijing.

This latest incident mirrors the previous one, highlighting the recurring issue of graffiti and carvings on this historical monument. This has prompted calls for stricter law enforcement to protect cultural heritage sites.

Millions of tourists visit the Great Wall of China each year. The government has made great efforts to protect the site from damage caused by excessive tourism. Special teams have been formed to monitor the Great Wall to prevent vandalism. In addition, signs and educational materials have been placed at various points along the wall to remind tourists of the importance of preservation.

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