Planning officials are calling for a greater number of old buildings here to receive historical protection from the government.

Of most concern are Republic of China-era buildings, or those from the period between 1912-1949.

"They are characteristic of Nanjing and show the city's architectural culture," said Zhou Lan, head of the Nanjing Municipal Planning Bureau. "We should preserve and protect them even if we have to give up the construction of new buildings."

Zhou argues that specific laws should be written to protect the city's culture, and is urging authorities to consider protecting more buildings that have historical and cultural value under protection with laws and regulations.

Nanjing was the country's capital city during the Republic of China period.

Zhou said that Nanjing, now provincial capital of East China's Jiangsu, will solicit concepts from historical cities in other countries.

Earlier this month, she participated in a forum for mayors as part of the 2004 World Historical and Cultural Cities Expo held in the city last week.

Mayors or representatives from more than 20 cities such as St Petersburg in Russia, Melaka in Malaysia, Florence in Italy, Kyoto in Japan and Melbourne in Australia, exchanged opinions there.

Zhou said participants recognized and pointed out gaps between Chinese cities and foreign municipalities when it comes to historical preservation.

He said a survey at the beginning of the 1990s showed half of citizens in Nanjing thought there should be more high buildings and modern construction in the city, though now more than three-fourths think preservation and heritage are as important.

Zhou said the local government will strengthen education of citizens to promote awareness of heritage.

Zhou admitted that the range of historical culture that should be protected in other countries is much wider than that in China.

Zhou said that she recognized that unlike in Nanjing, historical culture in those cities has a more broad content.

(China Daily May 17, 2004)