The Beijing Municipal Commission of Urban Planning disclosed yesterday that sections of the Great Wall in six outer suburban districts and counties in Beijing will become one scenic area.

It will be known as the "Beijing Section of the Great Wall Scenic and Historic Interest Area," and will be run under unified management.

The 629 km Beijing section of the Great Wall winds through Mentougou, Changping, Yanqing, Huairou, Miyun and Pinggu suburban districts.

It was formerly divided into various segments under an independent administration scheme.

In addition to the well known Badaling, Mutianling and Juyong Pass, there are also scattered segments in Huairou and Miyun, such as Huanghuacheng, Jiankou, Simatai and Jinshanling, connected by 600 km of broken walls.

Independent administration has resulted in only about 30 km of the 629 km stretch being opened to tourists.

(Chinanews.cn March 28, 2005)