Cities seek World Heritage status for ancient sea route

Legislators in Guangzhou are drafting laws to protect ruins and relics relating to the maritime Silk Road as the city government prepares to apply to UNESCO for world cultural heritage status for the ancient trade route.

The bid, which will be made together with nine other cities in China including Nanjing, will cover six historic sites in the capital of Guangdong province.

Guanzhou's heritage includes Nanyue Kingdom Palace, the Mausoleum of the Nanyue King, Guangxiao Temple, the Light Pagoda at Huaisheng Mosque, the Muslim tombs near Jiefang North Road and the Temple of the South Sea God and the wharf.