China: Tens of thousands of heritage

About 44,000 ancient relics, temples and cultural landmarks in China have disappeared, according to the country's first heritage survey over the past 20 years.

About a quarter of sites are in a state of degradation.

Explaining the situation, Chinese media say that many places are not protected and destroyed to pave the way for construction projects.

The investigation, conducted by the State Administration of Cultural Heritage, noted the registration of 700,000 heritage sites.

Mr. Liu Xiaohe, deputy director of the survey team said that economic development is the most important cause of the loss of cultural heritage.

Not all Chinese relics are told
good governance as the terracotta army of Emperor Qin Shihuang

In the worst affected area, Shaanxi Province, the residence of Qin Shihuang's terracotta army, the statistics show that more than 3,500 cultural heritages have disappeared.

There are no specific buildings or monuments raised in the census.

Correspondents say even the Great Wall is threatened by illegal erosion and development, tourists and locals are ignoring the principles of heritage conservation and self-sufficiency. separate management fees.