China Construction News:

The protection and inheritance of urban and rural histories and cultures are related to urban and rural areas' high-quality development. What progress has been made in this regard? What are the considerations for the next step? Thank you.

Ni Hong:

It is our important responsibility to do a good job in protecting and inheriting historical and cultural heritage. In a city or a village, no matter how tall or new a building is, it will be replaced, but only history cannot be replaced. I will invite Mr. Qin to answer your question in relationship to protection efforts.

Qin Haixiang:

Thank you for your questions. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank all friends from the media for your concern and support when it comes to the protection and inheritance of urban and rural historical and cultural heritage. Cities and villages are important carriers of historical and cultural heritage. It is our important responsibility to protect and pass on precious historical and cultural heritage in urban and rural development. In recent years, we have thoroughly studied and implemented the principles from General Secretary Xi Jinping's series of important instructions on the protection and inheritance of historical and cultural heritage as well as the decisions and plans of the CPC Central Committee and the State Council, and have vigorously promoted the protection and inheritance of urban and rural historical and cultural heritage, achieving remarkable results.

First, a systematic work structure has been established to increase the protection and inheritance of urban and rural historical and cultural heritage. The three-tier management system for protection and inheritance work at the national, provincial, city and county levels has been improved, and the system for local housing and urban-rural development departments to report to Party committees on the protection and inheritance of historical and cultural heritage has been advanced. Various regions have put more emphasis on the historical and cultural protection. Working systems, laws and regulations have been continuously improved, and the holistic and systematic protection and inheritance of historical and cultural heritage has been continuously enhanced.

Second, a multi-tier and multi-element system for carrying forward historical and cultural heritage protection in urban and rural areas has been established. There are now 142 famous historical and cultural cities, 312 towns and 487 villages of historical and cultural value as well as 8,155 traditional Chinese villages. More than 1,200 historical and cultural blocks have been demarcated and 67,200 ancient buildings have been identified. A historical and cultural heritage protection system in urban and rural areas with distinctive features, rich variety and large numbers has taken shape.

Third, a favorable atmosphere has been created for the whole of society to jointly protect and inherit urban and rural historical and cultural heritage. Society as a whole has increasingly deepened its understanding of the important value of urban and rural historical and cultural heritage, and the vision of protecting and inheriting historical and cultural heritage has developed deep roots, becoming a general consensus. In recent years, we have co-produced large-scale documentaries such as "Wenmai Chunqiu" (Historical Cities and Their Cultures), " Wisdom in Traditional Chinese Architecture " and "Remembering Homesickness" with CCTV, which fully demonstrate the charm of China's excellent traditional culture. These documentaries have attracted widespread attention and have gathered a strong force from society as a whole to care about and support the protection and inheritance of historical and cultural heritage.

Fourth, we have created a dynamic atmosphere in which urban and rural history and culture are integrated with modern life. In urban and rural development, we have changed our focus from previous demolition patterns to renovation and maintenance, and have preserved a number of old blocks, alleys and lanes in their original conditions, retaining the original residents and vitality. We have carried out pilot projects for the protection and utilization of historic buildings, and have organized and implemented comprehensive environmental improvement projects for historical and cultural blocks, which not only improves living environments but also protects historical and cultural heritage, making the city more distinctive and attractive.

Protecting and inheriting urban and rural historical and cultural heritage is a long-term undertaking. Next, we will thoroughly study and implement Xi Jinping Thought on Culture, pay more attention to coordinating protection and development, protection and people's livelihood, protection and utilization as well as single and overall protection, thus focusing our work on the following four aspects.

First, we will focus on protection. We will guide local governments to continue to strengthen the identification of resources and include historical and cultural heritage of different types and historical periods with local characteristics into the protection list, ensuring that important historical and cultural heritage of each period is systematically protected.

Second, we will focus on utilization. Utilization is the best protection. We will continue to protect, repair and revitalize historical and cultural blocks as well as historic buildings, encouraging local governments to adopt more micro-renovation methods, just like those meticulous ways used in embroidery, and weaving, to make up for shortcomings in infrastructure and public service facilities, so that historical and cultural districts can be revitalized.

Third, we will intensify oversight. We will take strong steps to investigate and punish actions in breach of laws and regulations that damage historical and cultural heritage in urban and rural development. We will continue to do a good job in special assessments for the protection of historical and cultural cities, criticize places that fail to protect them, urge them to make corrections and rectify existing problems, guide local governments to establish a regular inspection and management system for the protection and inheritance of urban and rural historical and cultural heritage, and promptly discover and prohibit acts that violate laws and regulations.

Fourth, we will focus on fundamental work. We will make every effort to advance the formulation and revision of relevant laws and regulations to protect and inherit historical and cultural heritage in urban and rural areas, will accelerate research and formulation of standards, will drive local governments to carry out local legislation and issue local standards in accordance with actual conditions, and will continue strengthening the training of professional personnel. Simultaneously, we will continue to work on the publicity for protecting and inheriting historical and cultural heritage. We also hope that friends from the media will join us in telling the story of Chinese history and culture to pass on and promote excellent traditional Chinese culture.

Thank you!