Geng Yanbo, the city mayor, is on the awarding ceremony

Datong city Mayor, Geng Yanbo, was awarded an honorable title of Chinese cultural figure due to his distinguished efforts in protecting the city’s cultural relics.

The awarding ceremony was jointly held on Dec 14 by the Chinese Culture Promotion Society and the Phoenix TV in Shenzhen.

The event has the first award set up for the cultural field in China. Both Chinese and foreigners who are outstanding in promoting social progress can be nominated.

According to the organizing committee, Geng has successfully balanced the city’s economic development and historic cultural preservation by creating a new development pattern in Datong.

"He is respected and supported as a visionary mayor as well as a pioneer in cultural relic protection," they said.

Yu Qiuyu, a renowned Chinese scholar, also spoke highly of Geng’s contribution. "Chinese culture is unique in its close tie to the past. Datong, the home of Yungang Grottoes, is one of the great cities that displays China’s cultural heritage.” “Geng has dedicated himself to cultural protection despite meeting a variety of problems. We should be proud of him as a fearless protector of Chinese culture," he added.

Geng said that the tremendous honor should belong to Datong because as an ancient city, it stood out for its appreciation and celebration of Chinese historic heritage.

"In the torrent of drastic social changes, we have to find a way to boost the economy without destroying our glorious past."

"This award is a milestone in the journey of Datong’s historic preservation. Though it is a road full of hardships and risks, I will still do whatever possible to continue on," he noted.

Another 10 celebrities obtained the title including Su Shuyang, a famous writer, and Tan Jing, a well-known singer.