Did construction workers use excavator to dig through China's Great Wall?

A part of China's Great Wall has been severely damaged by construction workers in central Shanxi province, who used an excavator to dig through it. Police say two people are suspected of trying to create a shortcut for their construction work. The two have been detained and the case is under further investigation.

When was the Great Wall built?

The Great Wall, a Unesco world heritage site since 1987, was built and rebuilt on a continual basis from around 220 BC until the Ming Dynasty in the 1600s, when it was the world's largest military structure. The best-preserved parts were built during the Ming Dynasty between the 14th and 17th centuries.

Why did they dig a 'big gap' on the Ming Great Wall?

They dug a "big gap" by widening an existing cavity of the Great Wall so that their excavator could pass through it. Police say they wanted to reduce the distance they had to travel. Police also stressed that the two caused "irreversible damage to the integrity of the Ming Great Wall and to the safety of the cultural relics".

Why did a 38-year-old man dig a 'big gap' near the Great Wall?

The 38-year-old man and 55-year-old woman were working near the affected area, the 32nd Great Wall. They dug a "big gap" by widening an existing cavity of the Great Wall so that their excavator could pass through it. Police say they wanted to reduce the distance they had to travel.

Why has the Great Wall deteriorated?

Much of the degradation of the wall has been attributed to local farmers stealing bricks or stones to build houses or animal pens. More recently, the government has gone to greater lengths to preserve the Great Wall and, as a result, these two people are in a lot of trouble.