The State Council, China's cabinet, has designated the second
Saturday of June as the Cultural Heritage Day to strengthen
heritage protection in China.
A recent circular issued by the State Council said that great
changes have taken place in China's cultural environment. Many
cultural heritage sites and their setting have been seriously
endangered.
Lots of historical cities, ancient towns and buildings, relics
sites and scenic spots have been destroyed in recent years.
Smuggling of antiques, theft of ancient tombs and relics sites are
rampant in some regions, said the circular.
Improper development of cultural heritage and excessive use of
cultural relics have threatened the precious cultural heritage,
said the circular.
In order to solve the problems, the State Council requires that
investigation on China's cultural heritage resources should be
strengthened. Protection plans should be made to avoid excessive
and improper development of cultural heritage.
China will launch a series of key cultural heritage protection
projects in the future. Measures will be taken to put the cultural
relics market in order, said the circular.
China will also spend three years to conduct a survey on the
situation of intangible cultural heritage and make responding
protection plans.
(Xinhua News Agency January 10, 2006)
