Beijing's cultural heritage sites will be protected by regulations passed recently by the city's legislative body.
Under the regulations, to take effect Jan. 1, 2003, erecting a structure without approval inside or near such ancient sites as the Forbidden City and the Summer Palace is strictly forbidden and subject to penalty.
Destroying, changing or dismantling structures classified as cultural heritages, or anything attached, is also forbidden under the regulations.
The capital city, which boasts 3,000 years of history, is home to many cultural and historical relics.
(Xinhua News Agency October 21, 2002)
