The State Council approved Tonghai county, in Southwest China’s Yunnan province, to join the list of national historical and cultural cities, in a reply to the government of Yunnan province.

Tonghai has unique traditional structures and historical features, substantial cultural heritage, rich ethnic customs, and is of great historical and cultural value.

Local authorities are urged to inherit and carry forward outstanding Chinese traditional culture and tell stories about China, formulate protection plans for the historical and cultural city and cultural relic protection units at all levels.

Efforts should be made to deal with the relationship between city construction and historical and cultural resources protection, the circular said, adding that natural landscapes and environment interdependent with the county should not be changed, and any construction activities that are not in harmony with its environment and appearance should not be carried out.

The circular also said related authorities should strengthen supervision and inspection on the protection work of Tonghai.