Beijing's local government has approved a law forbidding people from visiting the undeveloped parts of the Great Wall.
The restrictions are part of a package of protection measures the municipal government has already passed which will be implemented on August 1, a spokesman for the Beijing Bureau of Cultural Relics said.
The regulations will apply to the 629km section of the wall that falls within the Beijing municipality's boundaries - by far the most visited section of the 6,700km wall.
As only 29km of the Beijing stretch has been restored to its former glory, about 600kms will now be off limits to tourists and hikers.
The undeveloped parts, known as the Wild Wall, have become increasingly popular in recent years with hikers who enjoy the relative tranquility away from the hoards of tour groups and pestering hawkers.
A protection zone will be set up along both sides of the wall but it is not yet clear how wide this will be.
The official said 'protection teams' would be established with the help of village governments to ensure people do not approach the wall, with violators liable for fines of up to 30,000 yuan (HK$28,300).