The Chinese government has approved designating Putian city in East China’s Fujian province as a national historical and cultural city, according to an official reply released by the State Council on Oct 10.

The city’s long history of traditional layout, construction styles and cultures all have their own distinct features, and its rich cultural deposits and historical remains are of great value, the reply said.

The State Council urged the provincial and city government to make plans on cultural heritage protection, preserve and restore historical and cultural blocks, further develop urban infrastructure and public services, and make better use of historical buildings.

The reply also specified that the city should not alter any natural landscapes or environment correlating with its historical and cultural elements. Construction incompatible with local environment and styles should not be built. Damaging, moving without authorization and demolishing historical structures are also not allowed.

It concluded that the provincial government, the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development, and the National Cultural Heritage Administration should strengthen guidance, supervision and inspection on related work of the city government.