Xi'an to limit new apartment construction in downtown areas

XI'AN -- Construction of new residential apartments will be limited in Xi'an, capital of Northwest China's Shaanxi province, in order to better preserve ancient relics, according to a regulation announced by the city government.

Xi'an has China's most well-preserved ancient city wall, built in the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644).

The city will not earmark new land for building residential apartments, according to the regulation.

Shanty town areas will be dismantled to provide space for parks, greenland, public squares, and public parking lots.

Construction of new apartments will also be curbed in other sections of the city such as near the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda.

The city aims to relocated about 30,000 people from the downtown area by 2020 to alleviate traffic congestion and improve functions of public facilities.