Beijing has strengthened protection of its historical buildings through relocation of residents and restoration to ensure the capital's history and culture shines.
This year, Xicheng and Dongcheng districts in the center of the city will take measures to relocate current residents from 26 historical buildings, such as ancient guild halls, temples, and former residences of historical figures.
From 2016 to 2020, the two districts will complete the relocation of residents from and restoration of more than 80 heritage sites, according to their plans.
A recent Beijing draft urban planning document stressed the protection of historical areas within the more than 3,000-year-old city.
The city government has made unprecedented efforts to deal with illegally constructed buildings in the city's narrow alleys and major streets in order to improve the overall environment.
There was a lack of awareness of cultural protection in recent decades with haphazard construction in older parts in Beijing, said Zhao Xiuchi from Capital University of Economics and Business.
"The campaign to deal with illegal buildings and restoration of small alleys aims to highlight historical features as well as improve the functionality of the environment," she said.
As part of the national strategy of integrated development in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region, Beijing is redeveloping Tongzhou District into a subsidiary administrative center.
In April, China announced a plan to create the Xiongan New Area in Hebei Province to help move some non-capital functions from Beijing.
With the formation of a cluster of cities in the region, the protection and development of Beijing's historical areas will be given more room, said Zhao.
