'Wild Wall' hikers unfazed by fines
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The section of Wild Wall near Xizhazi village, Huairou district, is regarded as one of the most dangerous sections due to its steep mountains, but its photogenic scenery continues to lure adventurers.
Hiking in inclement weather like rain also exacerbates the risk of accidents, such as getting lost or injured while exploring the Wild Wall, according to Zhang.
Five people were struck by lightning on June 13 last year while hiking at Jiankou, resulting in two fatalities and one injury, the Beijing Youth Daily reported.
"Many visitors sneak onto the Great Wall through an open ecological garden, as many paths inside the garden lead to the wall," Li said. Employees stationed in the garden to deter hikers are generally ignored, according to Li.
"[Enforcing] the policy is not feasible," Li said. As the Huairou center has no law enforcement rights, they have no recourse even if the visitors they fine refuse to pay.
"We've never encountered officials fining anyone for hiking Jiankou," said Xiao Hong of the Dandelion Hiking club, which was established three years ago.
"We choose safe routes while hiking the wild Great Wall, and have had no injuries," Xiao added.
The Qiangzilu Great Wall is also not open to the public, but still attracts many visitors, an official surnamed Peng from the Miyun Cultural Relics Preservation and Administration Center said.
"Waves of visitors come and go, and we cannot stop them, so we simply do not take any action," Peng said.
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