A comprehensive survey of the ancient remains of the Great Wall will be carried out this year in the northwestern province of Gansu, a local heritage official said.

"A detailed survey plan, including the methods, objects and scope for investigation, is being drawn up by heritage protection experts," said Zheng Lansheng, an official with the provincial Cultural Heritage Bureau.

The Great Wall was first built in the Warring States Period (475-221 BC). It is generally considered to start at Jiayuguan Pass in Gansu and stretch 6,000 km to the Shanhaiguan Pass on the shores of Bohai Bay in the east.

The wall was rebuilt many times through the centuries, and many sections of it have suffered serious damage from wind and water, as well as human destruction.

Previous surveys show that a 600-km-long wall built during the Qin Dynasty (221-206 BC) is located in Gansu.

However, many parts of the remains have been undermined due to a lack of effective protection in the province.

The province has become China's pilot for the preservation of the Great Wall.

"Besides the experts, we will also make use of aerial, telemetric and archeological technologies to get an overall and accurate report on the current conditions of the Great Wall in the province," Zheng said.

The plan will be submitted to the State Administration of Cultural Heritage for approval before it is carried out, he said.

(Xinhua News Agency February 20, 2006)