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Rugged Great Wall hikes top accident list

By Zheng Jinran (chinadaily.com.cn)
Updated: 2011-01-05 15:31

Visitors are being urged to avoid climbing on undeveloped parts of the Great Wall after the site topped a list of sporting accidents in 2010, Beijing News reported on Jan 5.

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The Beijing rescue squad of China Emergency Rescue Alliance attended 26 outdoors incidents in the past year involving 99 people resulting in one death and two injuries on the Huairou section of the Great Wall in north Beijing.

Huairou is famous for its splendid natural beauty in autumn and winter, attracting adventurous explorers. But the area, with its rugged roads and adverse weather, is also a danger hotspot.

Visitors are being discouraged from visiting this part of the wall and signs have been put up warning of the dangers.

Wang Fengbin, section chief in Yanqing Tourism Administration said "The most effective way is that the tourist themselves raise awareness about personal security."

Explorers who want to climb the undeveloped Great Wall should register their personal information. A staff member surnamed Yang said "This registration is aimed at warning visitors not climbing this part and could be of great help if an emergency rescue is needed."