Liu Qibao, vice-chairman of the CPPCC National Committee, led a team in the survey from Aug 28 to Sept 4 of the construction of a national culture park for the Great Wall in Shanxi and Hebei provinces. Members of the team were from the Committee of Culture, History and Study of the CPPCC National Committee.

The team visited Taiyuan, Xinzhou, Shuozhou and Datong cities in Shanxi and Zhangjiakou city in Hebei, viewing several sections of the historical sites and learning about the progress and problems of the national park construction. They also held meetings with local officials and experts to listen to their suggestions. 

Liu said it was a major deployment and decision made by the CPC Central Committee to develop a national culture park for the Great Wall, and those involved in the construction should always make protection the top priority. More efforts need to be made for strict and targeted protection of the Great Wall and its surrounding environment based on different geographical locations, resource characteristics, histories and practical needs of each section to avoid disordered development and over-commercialization of the iconic cultural relic, he added.

The Great Wall had diverse functions in history, not only serving as a military defense project, but also a commercial development and cultural communication channel. Liu hoped the construction of the national park could be combined with rural revitalization to continue to improve the public's sense of satisfaction and happiness. More volunteers and social organizations are also encouraged to participate in the conservation of the Great Wall.