CHONGQING — A draft regulation to protect the historical and cultural cities in Southwest China’s Chongqing Municipality has been deliberated on by the standing committee of the municipal people’s congress.

“The municipality is now improving its image, which requires a more powerful legislative guarantee for its historical and cultural cities,” said Hu Wantai, director of the Chongqing urban planning bureau.

To maintain the balance between urbanization and the protection of historical and cultural heritage, the draft regulation will lay down restrictions on the moving and demolishing of historical buildings and set out new requirements for their protection and repair.

To give full play to the value of historical buildings, the draft also encourages and supports the utilization of those buildings in a proper way and sets detailed rules for the protection of old buildings.

With more than 3,000 years of history, Chongqing has abundant historical and culture heritage scattered around the municipality.