Better protection sought for cultural market to survive

As the art market prospered in recent years, illegal vendors, many of whom sell fake artworks, have been drawn to the area.

Ma said such activities have had a negative effect on the image of Liulichang and the order of the cultural market.

The ancient streets in the area are generally narrow and often clogged by vehicles illegally parked by employers, tourists or customers. These vehicles not only affect traffic but also the operation of shops, she said.

"With proper guidance and administration, the problem can be solved," she said. "It is not a complicated technical problem. The most important thing is proper administration."

Ma proposed a longterm management system and a professional market administrative team with clear responsibilities to handle the problem.

"Only when we see an orderly and enjoyable cultural market at Liulichang again, can we say it's a model market of Beijing as the national cultural center," she said.

As vice-chairwoman of the Beijing Association of Time Honored Brands, she is concerned about the reduction of antiques stores to fewer than 500 nationwide, down from several thousand three decades ago.

"It's the responsibility of our generation to inherit and rejuvenate the time honored brands that carry the genes of Chinese culture," she said.