Experts call for government action to protect ancient sites

The Beijing government must stop demolishing historical buildings in the name of urban development, an expert says.

Zeng Yizhi, from the China division of the International Council on Monuments and Sites, an international organization dedicated to the conservation of the world's historic monuments and sites, said a conservation plan announced on Monday might not be enough to protect the city's historical sites.

Zeng said more supervision is needed because ancient buildings had been demolished across the city. Xuanwu district's hutong area is a good example of this, she said.