As a noted historic and cultural city, Beijing will promote the construction of its three cultural belts along the Grand Canal, the Great Wall and the Xishan Yongding river, and continue the excavation and preservation work of archaeological sites in 2018, according to the Beijing Municipal Administration of Cultural Heritage.
The city first put forward the concept of the "three cultural belts" in 2015, and included the concept in the new city plan in 2017. The city is reviewing the progress in the draft plan for the Grand Canal cultural belt, and aiming to finish formulating the plans for the other two belts this year.
Regarding the Grand Canal cultural belt, Beijing has completed the conservation projects of several historical sites in 2017, including the Summer Palace and Beihai Park, and began drafting a preservation plan for the ancient site of Luxian county in Tongzhou district. Meanwhile, the protection of the Baifuquan, the Yanqing Temple and other sites will start in 2018.
Four parts in the Great Wall cultural belt will open to the public, and the city will make efforts to customize the openings in order to highlight each location's unique features. A boundary stone at one section of the Great Wall marks the boundary of Beijing, Tianjin and Hebei. Officials at the Beijing Municipal Administration of Cultural Heritage said the greater region will coordinate the efforts in the Great Wall protection.
Regarding the pilot work on the Great Wall national park, villages and natural resources surrounding the wall sections that are already open to the public will be included in the protection efforts. Unified visitor centers will be built and signs will be provided for more convenience. The city will also improve the methods of transportation between tourist sites, add more public toilets and dustbins, and provide better directions for tourist routes.
The Xishan Yongding river cultural belt, covering 40 percent of the city's total area, boasts different cultural attractions, including old royal grounds, temples, folk culture sites and ancient tombs. The municipal cultural authorities are looking to continue the preservation work of the historical sites, including the North Fahai Temple and the Jinge Timple, while seeking city funding in this regard.