On December 19, the Beijing Municipal Commission of Urban Planning and the Beijing Municipal Administration of Cultural Heritage jointly released their list of architectural structures designated for protection. The list covers 188 architectural sites in Beijing, including the China Children's Art Theatre, the 798 Factory and the Beijing Youyi Hospital.

All the buildings on the list were constructed from the mid-20th century through the late 1970s. The selected structures are protected from demolition as part of the city's urbanization drive. Any renovations must be done along lines that preserve their historical authenticity.

"These edifices are meant to reflect social progress or important historical events and figures. Additionally, they should depict the progress of architecture over time. Many of these buildings are among the most photographed symbols of Beijing," said Wen Zhongyong, a senior official with the Beijing Municipal Commission of Urban Planning.

Haidian District contains most of the structures, including the building complexes of Peking University, Tsinghua University and the Central University of Nationalities.

"These buildings are in good condition according to a survey," Wang Yin, an assistant chief planner with Beijing Municipal Institute of City Planning & Design, told the Beijing News.

The listed architectural sites may also be identified as cultural and historical units in the future for further protection, according to Beijing Municipal Administration of Cultural Heritage.

(China.org.cn by Yang Xi, December 20, 2007)