The Great Wall, a symbol of China, is actually not just one wall, but many interconnected walls built between the third century B.C. and the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). [Photo/Xinhua]

A unique agreement that will see Britain's Hadrian's Wall and the Great Wall of China work together, was announced last Tuesday by Heritage Minister John Glenn.

The two UNESCO World Heritage Sites will work together on research, education, and tourism growth, the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) said in an official announcement.A new Heritage Council is to be launched emphasising value of historic environment, building consensus and ensuring greater coordination across government.

Hadrian's Wall and The Great Wall of China will sign a unique collaboration agreement to increase the historical and cultural understanding of the two sites, Glen announced as he set out his priorities for heritage.

Hadrian's Wall and the Great Wall of China, one of the world's great wonders, will sign a unique collaboration agreement to increase the historical and cultural understanding of the two sites, Glenn announced as he set out his priorities for heritage.

Representatives from the two World Heritage Sites will work together to examine the challenges and opportunities of managing large and complex archaeological remains and explore the potential tourism growth in both countries, said DCMS.

The agreement will be the first of its kind, said Glenn, as he launched a framework for the growth of the heritage sector.

Called the "Wall-to-Wall Collaboration", the initiative is part of the People-to-People Dialogue, a cultural exchange between China and the UK taking place in London this week. The initiative arose from a UK-China cultural heritage event held in Beijing and Xi'an in February 2017, during which the conservation of the two walls was one of the key topics.