Suzhou sets out to protect 2,500-year-old walls

Culture officials in Suzhou, the so-called Venice of the Orient, have drafted regulations aimed at preserving the city's 2,500-year-old walls.

The legislation, which is open to public opinion until Sunday, includes a ban on advertisement hoardings, high-rise buildings, and industrial and commercial structures being built next to the walls or in nearby neighborhoods.

Experts will be also invited to conduct studies on the 15.5 kilometers of walls and make repairs to brickwork, while funds will be allocated to restore the surrounding areas, according to the city's culture department, which drafted the rules.