Images of Great Wall Graffiti Go Viral, Spark Outrage in China
By Justine Lopez
Recent images of the Badaling section of the Great Wall show that visitors still can’t help themselves from etching their names and witticisms into the iconic structure. New photos depicting graffiti in multiple languages were published on Monday on the Global Times Weibo account and have since gone viral, sparking all sorts of outrage in China.
The images show graffiti in a range of languages, from Chinese to Korean to English.The Weibo post has received over 6,000 comments, and many are insisting that heftier fines should be imposed on anyone who vandalizes the Wall.
Currently, vandals can receive fines between RMB200-500. However, history shows that many are not deterred by the punishment.
Last year, NBA player Bobby Brown posted an image of his own signature scribbled on the Great Wall and received all sorts of backlash.
The problem has gotten so bad that staffers at the Great Wall have even gone so far as to set up a special section where people can tag and vandalize the Mutianyu section of the Wall.
Despite these efforts, it's clear that tourists aren’t getting the message.
[Images via South China Morning Post]
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