Veteran hiker to walk the Great Wall

Liu Yutian, an 82-year-old man, plans to trek different sections of the Great Wall in 15 provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities.

He is due to set off on Sept 30, and intends the trek as a tribute to this iconic symbol of China.

Different plans have been devised for each stop of his journey, which are tailored to the specific circumstances of each location. During his walk, wall-themed photography, essay, and poetry writing contests will be held, and other activities to support rural vitalization in Great Wall areas.

This year marks the 40th anniversary of Liu's hike along most of the wall which began on May 13, 1984 in Jiayuguan, the western end of the Ming (1368-1644) Great Wall. A year and eight months later, Liu reached the Shanhaiguan Great Wall in Hebei province, completing his solo walk.

He will spend the first three days of his trip on the Badaling and Shixiaguan sections of the Great Wall in Beijing.