Mass orgies and bacchanalian revels banned from Great Wall

The July 30 overnight party at the Jinshanling section of the Great Wall held earlier this year was the last of its kind. Due to severe public criticism of the event, the company that once held the lease and the rights to this section of the wall has had its lease revoked. Reader, please observe a moment of silence to yourself. Thank you.

The English polisher in you should read this August 9 China Daily report just for kicks for gems like "the oriental epitome of ancient Chinese civilization was left in a chaotic mess" and "empty alcohol bottles and various rubbishes were scattered about, silently protesting against the past hilarity. Permeating in the air, the strong smell of excreta left by partygoers would likely make one feel sick." In other words, it smells like a public bathroom anywhere else in China.

But let's learn from Fox News and be fair and balanced in our reporting. We need, therefore, a quote from one of the moral reprobates party-goers. And here it is, another gem: "We just want a happy hour and never intend to harm the Wall," said a young girl who took part in the party.

Well missy, the road to hell is paved with good intentions. Previously, the Chinese government had leased the Jinshanling section of the wall to the Guangda company, which is under the Chengde City (Hebei Province, we believe) government for fifty years for a couple million yuan, with the contract starting in 1997 and ending in 2047. For you numerologists out there, this is also the same duration of time for which Hong Kong will remain free under the one country, two-systems policy. It's also a number of significance to all you fans of Wong Kar-wai's films as the number of the apartment that Chow Mo-wan moves into when he returns to Hong Kong in 2046.

But we digress. It was recently reported that the lease was revoked (report in Chinese), and the rights returned to Beijing and the central government. What about the money that this plucky Hebei company put in? It will be returned, of course, but it's just a "matter of time". And to ensure that that such debauchery will never occur again on the sacred symbol of China, some Great Wall preservation committee/organization is going to send about 30 trash receptacles with the slogan (“不‘'爱'长城非好汉”) ("you're not a good 'man' (damn those gendered terms) unless you love the Great Wall") emblazoned on them. Now you will have no excuse not to dispose of used condoms appropriately show the utmost respect for both cultural relics and the natural environment.

PIcture from China Daily.