BEIJING, July 12 -- Chinese Vice Premier Liu Yandong has called for enhanced efforts to protect the Great Wall.

She made the remarks during a recent inspection tour in north China's Zhangjiakou City, an important point of the Great Wall, one of China's most iconic landmarks.

Liu urged the local government to strictly follow the regulation on protecting the Great Wall and enhance the implementation of related laws.

She also noted that various cultural heritages should be protected during the development of tourism and the countryside.

During the inspection, Liu also visited countryside schools and hospitals, stressing reforms should be advanced to ensure impoverished areas could enjoy more resources in education, health and culture.