Various sections of the Great Wall in Shanxi province stand as silent witnesses to a history of more than two millennia, although they are not as complete as they were in their former glory days. [Photo by Yang Jianmin for China Daily]

The Great Wall is regarded as an important symbol of the nation and in ancient China, it was closely related to the fate of the nation.

In times of peace, the Great Wall passes became venues of exchange between the Han people and nomads in the north.

When wars took place, the wall provided defense against invaders. If the wall was captured by the enemies, it was disastrous for the nation.

Because of its historical significance, the Great Wall is a must-see attraction for many tourists.

Its importance is further enhanced by a famous quote from late Chinese leader Mao Zedong: "He who doesn't reach the Great Wall is not a true man."

Various sections of the Great Wall in Shanxi province stand as silent witnesses to a history of more than two millennia, although they are not as complete as they were in their former glory days. [Photo by Yang Jianmin for China Daily]

Capitalizing on the enthusiasm for the wall, many regions in Shanxi are using the historic site as an opportunity to boost local economic growth.

Datong city in northern Shanxi, for instance, boasts 263 km of Great Wall sections in its five counties and districts.

Wu Hongwen, mayor of Datong, said the city is promoting a Great Wall sightseeing route for tourists.

"Just like the famed Yungang Grottoes, one of the top three Buddhist grottoes in China, the Great Wall is likely to become another calling card for Datong's tourism," Wu said.

Weathered by the wind and rain in over millennia and challenged by booming tourism in modern times, protecting the Great Wall has become a pressing concern in regions along the Great Wall.

Pianguan county in the northwest of Shanxi, for instance, has prioritized protecting its precious Great Wall resources, including 126 km of wall, 36 fortresses and more than 300 watchtowers.

According to Wang Yuan, Party secretary of Pianguan, the county has invested more than 100 million yuan ($14.14 million) in protecting the Great Wall over the past 10 years.

"Protection is the prerequisite for using the Great Wall as a resource for tourism development," Wang said.

Li Yali contributed to this story.