The Chinese government has approved designating Weifang city in East China’s Shandong province as a national historical and cultural city, according to an official reply released by the State Council on July 24.

The city holds significant historical and cultural values, thanks to its long history, profound culture deposits, abundant cultural heritage resources and distinctive local characteristics, the reply said.

The reply urges the provincial and city government to further study and explore connotations and values of historical and cultural resources, systematically carry out investigations of cultural relics resources and research on historical materials, and clarify the spatial layout and development path of the ancient city of Weixian.

It calls for formulating detailed protection plans, clarifying lists of protected objects, and properly handling the relationship between urban development and cultural heritage protection.

In addition, the reply requires the city to protect and restore historical and cultural neighborhoods, shore up weak links in infrastructure and public service facilities, and continuously improve the quality of people’s living environment.

Altering any natural landscapes or environments associated with the city’s historical and cultural elements is prohibited. Any construction incompatible with the local environment and architectural styles should also be banned. In addition, damaging, unauthorized relocation, and demolition of immovable cultural relics and historic buildings are all prohibited.