In the footsteps of history

Liu Yutian, 82, packed his bag and started to hike the Badaling section of the Great Wall in Yanqing, Beijing on Sept 30 to commemorate a special achievement. This year marks the 40th anniversary of Liu's hike along most of the Great Wall which began on May 13, 1984 in Jiayuguan, the western end of the Ming (1368-1644) Great Wall in Gansu province. A year and eight months later, Liu reached the Shanhaiguan Great Wall in Hebei province, completing his solo walk.

Although the hike poses a physical challenge, Liu says he also considers it a profound spiritual journey. He says he hopes to measure the depth of history with his footsteps and perceive the richness of culture with his heart, contributing to the preservation and promotion of the Great Wall spirit.

Li Dan, director with the Great Wall management in Yanqing, says efforts will be made to assist Liu's hike and promote cultural relics protection. Local authorities also gave Liu a notebook bearing the Great Wall elements at a ceremony celebrating his departure and encouraged him to note down his experiences during the hike.

At the launch ceremony, a literature creation base was unveiled in Yanqing that aims to tap into the connotations of the Great Wall culture through the strength of literature.

Liu plans to trek different sections of the Great Wall in 15 provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities during the 2024-25 period, and intends the trek as a tribute to this iconic symbol of China.