The Chinese government approved Xinghua city in East China’s Jiangsu province as a national historical and cultural city, according to an official reply released by the State Council on Dec 16.

The reply urged the provincial and city governments to further study and explore the connotation and value of historical and cultural resources, systematically carry out archaeological investigation and historical data research, and sort out the spatial pattern and development path of the ancient city of Xinghua.

While formulating and implementing special protection plans for Xinghua and cultural relics, work should be done to properly handle the relationship between urban construction and the protection of historical and cultural resources, the reply said.

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

The restoration and protection of immovable cultural relics and historic buildings will also be strengthened.