East China's Shandong province recently released a plan to strengthen the protection and utilization of cultural relics in the provicne, in a bid to better preserve the province's cultural heritage.

The plan has identified 16 tasks and 47 policies and measures aimed at striking a balance between the conservation of cultural relics and economic development.

According to the plan, Shandong will establish a system to better protect cultural relics and promote the proper use of these relics so as to bring greater benefits to the people.

As an important cradle of Chinese civilization, Shandong boasts countless cultural treasures, said Wang Tingqi, deputy director of the Shandong Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism.

"We should properly observe the social, cultural, and educational function of cultural relics and the public should be encouraged to actively participate in preserving them."

Wang said that Shandong will strengthen the protection and improve the utilization of cultural relics in the Shandong section of the Grand Canal, the Great Wall of Qi State in the Spring and Autumn Period (770-476 BC), and the Yellow River basin.

Several demonstration zones will also be established to promote traditional culture and improve cultural research and protection.

Shandong plans to focus on urbanization, rural revitalization, and the Belt and Road Initiative, strengthen the protection of industrial, agricultural, and underwater heritage items, and promote cultural cooperation with other countries.

The province also plans to improve modern systems for cultural industries and markets, explore new mechanisms for cultural production, and develop new types of cultural businesses.