Action needed to preserve the past

Volunteers from Chongqing interview residents in old houses for a cultural heritage protection project. [Photo provided to China Daily]

Funds raised

He is a former director of the State Administration of Cultural Heritage. After retiring from this government position and taking the new role of leading the foundation, he has been trying to seek more flexibility in encouraging wider public participation in the commercial use of historical relics.

His foundation has strived to save old houses in the countryside by raising funds from local communities and social organizations.

Li Xiaojie has called for more registered cultural heritage to be open to the public.

"The lack of manpower in local government protecting this heritage is a problem," he said, adding that one grassroots protector is usually in charge of several sites, leaving little room to receive visitors.

"Much of the work can be handed over to volunteers and local communities," he said. "Conditions should be created to maximize the functions of heritage for public interest and education."

The new alliance may strengthen such efforts.

Wu Yuanqing leads a volunteer association for cultural heritage in Chongqing. In May, some volunteers from the association found an old street was being demolished for construction of a port.

"The association immediately reported this to local authorities," Wu said. "The project was halted within 12 hours. That is the power of a group.

"After a national alliance is formed, our voices will be better heard. More good news will result."