Chinanews, Urumqi, May 22 - Xinjiang Regional Bureau of Surveying and Mapping and Xinjiang Regional Administration of Cultural Heritages have jointly started a general investigation on the part of the Great Wall in Xinjiang. The result of the investigation will be used to set up a comprehensive database of the part of the Great Wall there, which will promote researches on the cultural exchanges between East and West.The building of the part of the Great Wall in Xinjiang started some 2,000 years ago, almost as long as the history of the Silk Road. Being very important defense works in the past, this part of the Great Wall is relatively well preserved. Statistics show that 600 beacon towers, castles, passes and troop stations along the Great Wall in Xinjiang are in good shape.Xinjiang Regional Bureau of Surveying and Mapping is planning to collect all the geographical information of the Great Wall in Xinjiang, as well as its ancillary facilities. Besides, two ruins will be selected to make a photo album.Other 12 provinces are also carrying out similar investigations to Xinjiang's. With modern technology, the Great Wall will be better protected after the investigation.