BEIJING, Sept. 26 -- The eighth group of 762 major historical and cultural sites protected at the national level was approved at the State Council's executive meeting chaired by Premier Li Keqiang on Thursday.

This round of application started in July 2018. The symbolic and national significance of cultural relics were underlined during the selection process.

"For a country with a time-honored civilization like China, it is important to strengthen the protection of cultural relics as a way to reinforce historical memories. The key is to ensure that the basic principles in protecting cultural heritage are fully implemented," Li said.

Attendees at the Thursday meeting approved the decision to list another 762 sites as major historical and cultural sites protected at the national level, including ancient heritage sites, ancient architectures and major historical sites and architectures in modern times.

It was urged at the meeting that the value and quality of the cultural relics should be prioritized and their originality and completeness preserved. The meeting stressed the necessity to improve relevant laws and regulations, attract the participation of the private sector, and ensure effective protection, management and proper utilization of the valuable heritage sites of the Chinese nation. Such efforts will help carry forward the Chinese civilization and boost the nation's confidence and cohesion.

"When protecting the cultural relics, efforts must be made to preserve both the originality and completeness. Wooden structures, which feature prominently in China's cultural sites, must be protected under the conditions of safety, including employing modern technologies whenever necessary," Li pointed out.

With 762 new sites added to the list, the number of major historical and cultural sites protected at the national level will reach 5,058, many of them located in Shanxi, Henan, Hebei, Zhejiang and Shaanxi provinces.

"Protecting cultural relics is the responsibility of the whole society. The private sector needs to be mobilized in this process, and the public awareness of cultural heritage protection needs to be enhanced," Li said.