China to launch construction, expansion projects of major cultural facilities

BEIJING, April 10 (Xinhua) -- China will launch a batch of projects to build new major cultural facilities or expand existing ones to promote the conservation and inheritance of the country's fine cultural and natural heritage, said a revised work plan.

The revised plan, jointly drafted by seven central government bodies including the National Development and Reform Commission, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and the National Cultural Heritage Administration, is also aimed at improving the country's public cultural services system and the integration of culture and tourism.

The plan clarifies three categories of projects and the selection criteria.

On national cultural heritage conservation and inheritance, the plan includes projects to protect and upgrade historical cultural cities and blocks, protect and utilize key national cultural relics, and construct specimen warehouses for key archeological excavation areas.

In terms of national natural heritage conservation and demonstration, there will be construction of public education facilities such as national parks and the protection of key natural heritage areas.

In the field of modern Chinese civilization demonstration, projects will be launched to build facilities for the publication of the country's major achievements and important public cultural venues.

The document specifies fund arrangements, urging efforts to establish fund reserves for the projects, and strengthen coordination and oversight.