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Embracing Unity: The 2025 Great Wall Cultural Festival

As dusk falls upon the Badaling section of the Great Wall in Beijing, the ancient stones transformed into a resplendent golden dragon, illuminated by a cascade of lights. This breathtaking sight marks the beginning of the 2025 Great Wall Cultural Festival, a celebration that not only attracts tourists but rejuvenates the spirit of unity and resilience that the Great Wall represents for the Chinese nation.

The festival kicks off with a variety of cultural exhibitions, including displays of traditional Hanfu clothing, captivating performances featuring musical instruments like the guzheng, and vibrant dance shows. These events gather people from various backgrounds, creating a shared space for artistic expression and cultural appreciation.

One passionate guardian of this heritage, Mei Lanfen, who lives in Shixia village near the Great Wall, patrols the ancient paths daily, experiencing the diverse allure of this monumental structure firsthand. For Mei, the Great Wall is more than just a historical site; it embodies the tenacity and spirit of the Chinese people. She reflects on its significance, saying, “The Great Wall symbolizes our nation’s endurance through trials and teaches us resilience and courage.” Her commitment to the wall spans nearly six years, a testament to the deep-rooted connection many feel towards this iconic landmark.

The 2025 Great Wall Cultural Festival officially opened with a breathtaking performance by a string quartet titled Great Wall Ballad, featuring talented musicians from the Beijing Symphony Orchestra joined by the joyful voices of students from Yanqing No. 2 Primary School. The festival not only commemorates the cultural legacy of the Great Wall but also attempts to enhance tourism through the development of self-driving tour routes that span multiple districts. This initiative connects visitors to various segments of the Great Wall like Badaling, Juyongguan, Mutianyu, and Simatai, along with nearby rural tourism hotspots.

Liu Wenyan, deputy director of the Great Wall National Cultural Park Protection Institute, emphasized the revitalization of local economies through the introduction of heritage-themed products and tourism experiences. This model integrates culture, commerce, and tourism in a bid to stimulate sustainable economic growth in areas surrounding the Great Wall.

Recent initiatives have led to an increased interest in the Great Wall among both domestic and international tourists. Innovative approaches such as the introduction of exoskeleton climbing aids have redefined the visitor experience. This technology enhances accessibility for climbers, particularly benefiting older visitors who may struggle with the steep terrain. As explained by Shen Bingtang from the Badaling Culture and Tourism Group, the exoskeleton detects changes in slope, providing optimal support to ease the climbing process, making the journey up the Great Wall a less strenuous endeavor.

Along with exciting climbing innovations, the festival features engaging activities such as traditional temple fairs and themed photo competitions, allowing attendees to forge deeper connections with the historical site.

Under the vigilant watch of a dedicated patrol team, led by Mei, sections of the Great Wall that are less frequented by the public are carefully monitored to ensure preservation and protection. Mei recalls the rewarding feeling of standing atop the Great Wall's towers, where she feels invigorated by the surrounding winds. Such experiences highlight the fulfilling nature of her commitment, despite the demanding conditions of summer patrols.

Looking toward the future, Liu acknowledges the necessity of interpreting the spirit of the Great Wall within our modern technological context. Historically a symbol of the dynamic interplay between agricultural and nomadic lifestyles, the Great Wall now represents a vision of harmonious coexistence among diverse cultures.

To ensure that the cultural legacy of the Great Wall continues to thrive, local authorities and cultural advocates are engaged in efforts focused on conservation, digitization, and exhibition of this significant heritage.

As plans for the Great Wall National Cultural Park progress, anticipation builds surrounding the upcoming China Great Wall Museum, set to open its doors by late 2026 or early 2027. Zhang Yu, director of the Capital Museum of China, stated that once completed, the museum will provide visitors with an immersive opportunity to explore the cultural significance of the Great Wall through various exhibits, all while experiencing the historic site firsthand. The museum aims to harmoniously blend architectural design with curated exhibits to narrate the extensive story of the Great Wall, allowing its cultural essence to shine brightly for generations to come.

The 2025 Great Wall Cultural Festival not only commemorates the ancient wonder but also reinforces a spirit of resilience and unity among those who wish to engage with this monumental symbol of Chinese heritage.