The Great Wall of China ranks as one of humanity’s most awe-inspiring monuments. But over the years time has taken its toll on it, and so too have the activities of visitors, meaning the lengendary attraction is now in danger.

It is his 36th year guarding the Great Wall as a volunteer. He walks for miles, clearing away weeds, picking up litter and putting a stop to any activities that are harmful to this ancient monument. That is the daily routine of 72-year-old Mei Jingtian.

It's his 36th year guarding the Great Wall as a volunteer. He walks for miles, clearing away weeds, picking up litter and putting a stop to any activities that are harmful to this ancient monument. That's the daily routine of 72-year-old Mei Jingtian.

“I go on patrol every day, to see if anyone is doing anything harmful to the wall. I have come across activties that are terribly destructive, such as illegal building on the wall,” Mei said.

Mei’s work may sound easy, but it requires a lot of time and effort. He walks 15 kilometers every day, which takes him about eight hours.

The Great Wall of China often evokes an image of a perfectly-maintained structure snaking through the mountains. Unfortunately, this image only exists in the well-protected scenic areas, such as the Badaling, Mutianyu and Simatai. Most other sections lie broken in remote grasslands and deserts, exposed to thousands of years of rain, snow and wind.

Large parts of the wall and its beacon and watchtowers have been damaged or dismantled by local people and developers.

“The well-protected Great Wall is, in fact, just a small part. Nearly 20 percent of the wall has been damaged, and around 30 percent of the wall has vanished altogether,” said Dong Yaohui, China Great Wall Society.

In addition to natural disasters like storms and earthquakes, the wall is also at risk from human sabotage.

Owing to its sheer size and variant construction materials, the Great Wall is difficult to protect effectively compared to other relics that can be kept in museums. Born and bred at the foot of it, Mei Jingtian’s mission to protect the wall he loves so much is his life’s work.

“I was born here, and I’ve spent my whole life here, I’m so fascined by it. My biggest wish is that the Great Wall can be inherited by our descendants without any damage,” Mei said.

No matter how harsh the weather or how many physical difficulties he has to face, Mei never complains.

“I’m emotionally attached to the Great Wall, I take hundreds of pictures of it. And I asked my son to save these photos in the computer, if I’m too old to climb the wall one day, I can still feel its beauty and power through the photographs,” Mei said.