The State Council, China's cabinet, has designated the second Saturday of June as the Cultural Heritage Day to strengthen heritage protection in China.

A recent circular issued by the State Council said that great changes have taken place in China's cultural environment. Many cultural heritage sites and their setting have been seriously endangered.

Lots of historical cities, ancient towns and buildings, relics sites and scenic spots have been destroyed in recent years. Smuggling of antiques, theft of ancient tombs and relics sites are rampant in some regions, said the circular.

Improper development of cultural heritage and excessive use of cultural relics have threatened the precious cultural heritage, said the circular.

In order to solve the problems, the State Council requires that investigation on China's cultural heritage resources should be strengthened. Protection plans should be made to avoid excessive and improper development of cultural heritage.

China will launch a series of key cultural heritage protection projects in the future. Measures will be taken to put the cultural relics market in order, said the circular.

China will also spend three years to conduct a survey on the situation of intangible cultural heritage and make responding protection plans.

(Xinhua News Agency January 10, 2006)