Historical sites 'devastated' in renovations

A large number of historical architecture and cultural heritage sites have been destroyed during the country's rapid urbanization, a top official lamented yesterday.

Qiu Baoxing, vice-minister of construction, hit out at some local officials for their "senseless actions" that have "devastated" historical sites and cultural relics in the name of renovation.

The country's historical and cultural heritage is facing a third round of havoc since New China was founded in 1949, he noted.