Draft law proposed to improve protection of historical sites

The Chinese public has been invited by the Legislative Affairs Office of the State Council to submit their opinions on a proposed draft law on the protection of historical sites.

The 51-clause draft stipulates that anyone responsible for damaging historical and cultural cities, towns and villages would be severely punished. Institutions could be fined up to 97,000 euros and individuals a maximum of 18,000 euros, the draft says.

The proposal goes on to say that movie production teams must get approval from the authorities before shooting at historical sites. They would also be required to submit plans for the protection of the site in advance. Cultural heritage protection should also be taken into account in urban and rural planning, the draft adds.

If the draft is passed as such, local governments would also be required to make greater efforts to protect cultural heritage through striking a balance between protection and development. City and county administrations would also be asked to survey buildings of historical value in their regions. Special funds to finance the protection of historical sites would also be set up by local governments.

Much of China's cultural and architectural heritage has been destroyed by urbanization as some local governments have demolished valuable historical sites and replaced them with fake replicas or new, large buildings.

Between 2001 and 2005, China budgeted a combined 17 million euros for cultural heritage protection from. In 2006 alone, the sum reached 13.4 million euros. By the end of March this year China had a total of 107 "historical cities."