Forty years ago, a notice was prominently published on the front page of the Beijing Evening News. It marked the commencement of the "Love China, Restore the Great Wall" social sponsorship activity, jointly initiated by the Badaling Special District Office and various organizations. This remarkable initiative pioneered the practice of raising funds from the public to restore our nation's invaluable cultural heritage.

Since its inception, the "Love China, Restore the Great Wall" social sponsorship activity has garnered an overwhelming response from people throughout the country and overseas Chinese communities. Millions of individuals from all corners of China eagerly participated, while numerous groups from 26 countries and regions including Pakistan, Greece, and the United States generously contributed donations, amounting to millions of yuan. Inside the exhibition, you will find a treasure trove of historical artifacts, including aged cultural work briefings, records of social sponsorships, lists of donors, and newspaper clippings that vividly portray the historical context. Notably, 18 distinguished Chinese-American scientists, including Yang Zhenning, made substantial contributions to the "Love China, Restore the Great Wall" cause. Additionally, UNESCO, under the "Save Venice and Restore the Great Wall" initiative, donated one million francs to support the restoration efforts, while Greek shipping tycoon Aristotle Onassis made a generous donation of one million dollars on behalf of his family.

The social sponsorship activity not only drew extensive attention and media coverage both domestically and internationally but also significantly accelerated the pace of the Great Wall's restoration. Key sections of the Great Wall, such as Badaling, Mutianyu, and Simatai, have been meticulously repaired and are now open to the public. Within the exhibition, an extensive collection of invaluable historical photographs provides a glimpse into the intricate process of restoring the Great Wall, showcasing the remarkable achievements that have been accomplished.

In recent years, with the evolution of Great Wall conservation principles and the continuous advancement of preservation techniques, the ancient Great Wall has been revitalized, breathing new life into its ancient stones. The exhibition also incorporates captivating elements such as 3D-printed models and interactive multimedia displays to showcase the "Beijing Experience" in Great Wall conservation. As the exhibition draws to a close, an interactive experience area awaits, inviting visitors to sign the "Love the Great Wall, Revitalize China" pledge and engage in activities like the "Online Tour of the Great Wall" and stamp collection, thus contributing to the creation of new tales that revolve around this iconic structure.

The exhibition is organized by the Beijing Daily Newspaper Group and the Beijing Municipal Administration of Cultural Heritage. The Beijing Evening News, the Capital Museum, and the Yanqing District Great Wall Management Office serve as co-organizers, while Tencent SSV and the Tencent Charity Foundation act as co-sponsors.

Translator: Feng Haoxuan

Reviewer: LI An