Squaring the preservation-modernization circle

The contradiction between the construction of modern cities and the protection of cultural relics has long posed challenges for urban planners, but Beijing has set a good example of squaring the circle with the planning of its new sub-city center in Tongzhou district.

The area, located in the east of the city, has been chosen as the capital's new administrative center, which has necessitated the construction of a raft of office blocks.

On Jan 9, a meeting of the municipal government decided to protect and preserve the recently excavated Lucheng ancient city, which dates back to the Han Dynasty (206 BC-220 AD), by building a heritage park around it.