Ming Tombs to get tourism makeover

Development of surrounding area to preserve relics, protect environment

Beijing will relocate 15,000 people who live around the Ming Tombs in order for authorities to develop the area.

Zhang Yanyou, head of Changping district where the Ming Tombs are located, said the government is doing research on the development of the relics, which will take into consideration ecological protection and relics preservation, as well as the area's transportation.

The Ming Tombs, 30 kilometers north of downtown Beijing, has 13 emperors' tombs, some dating back 600 years. At present, only three of the 13 are open for tourists, though there are plans to gradually open all of them.

"After comprehensive research, the authority plans to build a community outside of the relics area for the local residents, which will ensure their livelihood," Zhang said. "The plan has been announced publicly to seek opinions and will be proposed to the higher national-level authority for approval."

According to the plan from the district government, the authority will build a 10.5-square-kilometer area near the site where tourists can experience the culture and life of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), including historical shows to display its economy, manners and literary achievements.