A section of circumvallation in the ancient city of Pingyao, in north China's Shanxi Province, was abruptly collapsed on October 17. 
 
Witnesses say the collapsed rampart was about 17 meters in width and has huge cracks.

Local cultural relic protection departments have immediately taken measures to prevent further collapsing.

It is said that lack of proper repair work is the reason behind the collapse.

Pingyao has been listed as a World Heritage Site since 1997. The city is the only one in China completely preserved in its original state, with no modern buildings, only narrow stone-plate lined with many Chinese-style shops.


(CRI.com October 19, 2004)