Zhang Heshan, 66, is a villager of Chengziyu, where lies a section of China's Great Wall dating back to the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644).

Since 1978, Zhang has been a protector of the Great Wall. Over the years, he patrolled the wild parts of the wall near his village and has never been held back by various challenges. He persuaded herdsmen to leave, scared away brick-stealers, stopped tourists from making carvings on the wall and reported damages.

"For a good protector, it is important to have both health and courage," Zhang said.

Nowadays, Zhang also works on the promotion of the Great Wall culture. He introduces the knowledge of the wall with tourists during his patrol, shoots videos and shares his stories on short-video platforms.

Zhang Heshan takes pictures of the scenery of the Zhengguanling Great Wall in Qinhuangdao, north China's Hebei Province, July 7, 2021. (Xinhua/Jin Haoyuan)

Zhang Heshan takes pictures of the scenery of the Chengziyu Great Wall in Qinhuangdao, north China's Hebei Province, July 7, 2021. (Xinhua/Jin Haoyuan)

Zhang Heshan (2nd R) introduces the Great Wall culture to tourists on the Chengziyu Great Wall in Qinhuangdao, north China's Hebei Province, July 7, 2021. (Xinhua/Jin Haoyuan)

Zhang Heshan shows the published photo of the Great Wall in Chengziyu Village, Qinhuangdao, north China's Hebei Province, July 7, 2021. (Xinhua/Jin Haoyuan)

Zhang Heshan enjoys the scenery of the Zhengguanling Great Wall in Qinhuangdao, north China's Hebei Province, July 7, 2021. (Xinhua/Jin Haoyuan)

In recent years, more and more young people have joined the team to protect the Great Wall. Li Cui, 35, is one of them. After graduation from college, Li did not stay in the big city, but took root in the Great Wall protection with a group of young people from around the world. In 2014, Li Cui officially became a volunteer protector.

"30+" Li Cui and "60+" Zhang Heshan interpret the courage and perseverance of the Great Wall protectors with their actions.

Li Cui (L) introduces the Great Wall culture to tourists at the culture museum in Qinhuangdao, north China's Hebei Province, July 8, 2021. (Xinhua/Jin Haoyuan)

Li Cui (R) makes handwork with kids during a Great Wall cultural experience activity at Banchangyu scenic spot, Qinhuangdao, north China's Hebei Province, July 8, 2021. (Xinhua/Jin Haoyuan)

Aerial photo taken on July 8, 2021 shows Li Cui patrolling along the Banchangyu Great Wall in Qinhuangdao, north China's Hebei Province. (Xinhua/Jin Haoyuan)