Commercialization endangers living fossils

The frequent fires that have razed the country's ancient buildings, some of them well-preserved cultural relics, have highlighted the need for the authorities to put in place stricter and more effective measures for the protection of these precious cultural gems.

A fire broke out on Saturday at Gongchenlou, an ancient tower built in the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), in Weishan county, Yunnan province. Although no casualties were reported, the conflagration destroyed most of the 600-year-old landmark that was listed as a provincial-level cultural relic.

Given the irreparable loss caused by the blaze to the nation's precious architectural heritage, a thorough investigation should be conducted into its cause, and those found responsible for the fire or failing to prevent it should be punished. And there should be profound self-reflection on why such an ancient structure, which has invaluable historical and cultural values, failed to get special protection from the local government. At the same time, an immediate safety review should be launched over any possible safety concerns and loopholes for historical architecture throughout the country.