The ancient city wall

An inspection team from the State Administration of Cultural Heritage has recognized the efforts the Datong government has made with historical city protection.

The Datong government carried out the project in 2008, and now has achieved an initial success.

 According to Geng Yanbo, the city’s mayor, Datong possesses profound cultural deposits as well as valuable relics. To better preserve them, the local government has made innovations and formed a unique pattern of protection.

He said the project was implemented with a more advanced concept of keeping the original look of the ancient city rather than having it reconstructed. The government has stopped all the development projects within the scope of protection, about 4.8 square kilometers, and has tried to maintain the integrity of the relics by using the same materials and crafts in restoration.

However, some people worry such protection may hinder economic development. The mayor said the people can put a rest to those worries because “we have already figured out a way to expand the economy.”

The government has exploited a new city zone for development. A river separates it from the old inner cities.

“Protection and development do not interfere with each other at two spaces. It is a win-win resolution,” he continued. “One is traditional, and the other is modern. The sharp contrast has also added a special charm to the city.”

Moreover, the project will upgrade the city’s tourism industry when it is completed, the mayor noted.