Jiayuguan

Around 30 per cent of China's Ming-era Great Wall has disappeared over time as adverse natural conditions and reckless human activities -- including stealing the bricks to build houses -- erode the UNESCO World Heritage site, state media reported.

At the farthest end of the Great Wall, Yang Yongfu limps along the section he arduously restored, in effect "privatising" it and putting himself on a collision course with the authorities.

Around 30 per cent of China's Ming-era Great Wall has disappeared over time as adverse natural conditions and reckless human activities -- including stealing the bricks to build houses -- erode the UNESCO World Heritage site, state media reported.

At the farthest end of the Great Wall, Yang Yongfu limps along the section he arduously restored, in effect "privatising" it and putting himself on a collision course with the authorities.