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Ancient Chinese monument being used as climbing wall by visitors

Officials promise to take action after tourists risk damaging structure and put their own safety at risk

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Pictures circulating online show adults and children climbing the Zhengding city wall. Photo: Handout

An ancient high stone wall in northern China risks being damaged by visitors who have turned it into a popular climbing spot.

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Photos recently surfaced online showing several adult and child tourists climbing the 60-metre Zhengding city wall near Shijiazhuang, Hebei province, without any safety equipment or protective gear.

A county heritage preservation official told Beijing Youth Daily on Wednesday that tourists were already discouraged from climbing the wall, and better protection measures would be taken in future.

Climbing the wall is strictly forbidden, according to signs displayed nearby.

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In photos circulated online, children can be seen climbing up the bare bricks while their parents watch below.

Adult climbers are also shown climbing up to a height of around 6 to 7 metres.

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