Beijing: Visiting China as part of an international seminar, Burkinabe media executives had the opportunity to discover the Great Wall of China, an emblematic monument whose grandeur and symbolism recall the Ruins of Lorop©ni, a historic site located in the Southwest Region of Burkina Faso.
According to Burkina Information Agency, the Great Wall stands as a symbol of Chinese history and imperial power, impressing visitors with its sheer scale and durability. Stretching over 20,000 kilometers, it was consolidated between 1368 and 1644 under the Ming Dynasty, featuring strategically placed stone walls, watchtowers, bastions, and garrisons. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987, it draws millions of visitors each year.
The Burkinabe journalists' visit provided an opportunity to appreciate this colossal structure, designed to protect the Middle Kingdom from invasion. Tourist activity on site is constant: souvenir shops, restaurants, and accommodations are fully booked, while shuttles and buses ensure a constant flow of visitors.
This experience created a natural parallel with the Ruins of Lorop©ni, classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2009. Located in the Southwest region, this site is one of the oldest architectural examples in Burkina Faso.
It is believed to be linked to the ancient fortresses of the Lobi region and is at least a thousand years old. The laterite walls, which reach up to six meters in height, are a testament to the skill and organization of its builders.
Abandoned between the early and mid-19th century, the Ruins of Lorop©ni remain today one of the most visited sites in the country.
Better development of the site, particularly through the improvement of access routes and the development of tourist infrastructure, could increase its attendance and generate significant economic benefits.