East China's Shandong province will open at least 20 heritage parks to the public by 2025 in a bid to strengthen protection and utilization of local cultural relics.

Shandong is one of the cradles of the Chinese civilization. Neolithic cultures, such as the Dawenkou and Longshan cultures, existed in the region between 8,500 and 4,000 years ago.

Shandong, known as Qilu in ancient times, was the home of the Qi and Lu states during the Spring and Autumn Period (770-476 BC) as well as the Warring States Period between 475-221 BC. The province is also the birthplace of Confucius and Mencius.

According to a news conference hosted by the Information Office of the Shandong Provincial People's Government on Jan 8, there are currently many famous archaeological parks in Shandong, including one in Dawenkou, Tai'an and the Chengziya National Archaeological Park in Jinan.

Wang Tingqi, deputy director of Shandong Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism, said that Shandong will double down on efforts to protect cultural relics and enhance supervision.

Wang said that Shandong will encourage more public participation in the protection and utilization of cultural relics.

Wang added that the province will implement the "Museum +" strategy to promote smart museums, online museums, art galleries, exhibition centers and libraries.

In addition, the province will also provide favorable policies to promote the development of private museums.