Liaoyang city, in Northeast China’s Liaoning province, has joined the list of national historical and cultural cities, according to a circular released by the State Council on Dec 7.

The circular urged strengthening protection of the historical and cultural resources of the city, and tapping into their value and significance through in-depth research.

A local plan for protecting the city should be in place to mark the protection boundary of historical and cultural blocks, cultural relics sites and historical buildings, as well as development control areas beyond that boundary.

The circular called for sound coordination between urban construction and protection of historical and cultural resources to retain the city’s character.

Efforts should be made to improve the urban environment and renovate historical buildings, and their surrounding natural landscapes and environment should not be changed, it said.

Historical buildings should not be damaged or arbitrarily moved or demolished, the circular added.