Rules for relics released

The Beijing municipal government recently released a report listing the latest methods for improved preservation of areas where cultural relics are buried. Included among the methods are the construction of a database of the cultural relic protection areas, the Beijing Daily reported.

According to the newly issued rules, any archaeological investigation and research of buried relics must be reported to the proper authorities beforehand; moreover, the duration of the on-site research should last no longer than two months. Meanwhile, construction companies that discover cultural artifacts underground during the building process should report them to the relevant authorities. As of 2011, Beijing has publicized 56 such sites in areas that include Dongcheng, Haidian and Shijingshan districts.