The original imperial city in the Ming and Qing dynasties (1368-1911) along with the Forbidden City in Beijing should be applied for world cultural heritage for better protection, members of Beijing People's Political Consultative Conference (BPPCC) and experts advised.

Friday's China Daily quoted Kong Fanzhi, vice director of the municipal bureau of cultural relics, as saying that among the 25 historical and cultural districts authorized by the municipal government of Beijing for key protection, there are 14 districts within range of the imperial city which have largely kept their original appearance, Kong said in a report answering the BPPCC members' proposal.

Beijing has already has five authorized world cultural heritage sites including the Summer Palace, the Great Wall and the Forbidden City.

"We will step up our efforts to clear out new buildings and better protect the ancient architecture, so that it maintains its original appearance in some 100 years time," said Kong.

"Protection of the original imperial city will also contribute to the 2008 Olympics," said BPPCC members.

(People's Daily 08/24/2001)