GANSU Province will conduct a comprehensive survey of the ancient remains of the Great Wall this year, a local cultural official said.

"A detailed survey plan, including the methods, objects and scope for investigation, is being drawn up by heritage protection experts," said Zheng Lansheng, an official with the provincial cultural heritage bureau.

The Great Wall was first built in the Warring States Period (475-221 BC). It is generally considered to start at Jiayuguan Pass in Gansu and stretch 6,000 km to the Shanhaiguan Pass on the shores of Bohai Bay in the east.

The wall was rebuilt many times through the centuries, and many sections of it have suffered serious damage from wind and water, as well as human destruction.

Previous surveys show that a 600-km-long wall built during the Qin Dynasty (221 B.C.-206 B.C.) is located in Gansu. However, many parts of the remains have been damaged due to a lack of protection.

"We will also make use of aerial, telemetric and archaeological technologies to prepare an accurate report on the current condition of the Great Wall in the province," Zheng said.

The plan will be submitted to the State Administration of Cultural Heritage for approval before it is carried out.

Editor: Wing