Beginning July 1, Fujian province will enforce the Regulation on the Protection of Overseas Chinese Historical and Cultural Heritage, the first of its kind in China to focus on protecting this unique heritage.

Comprehensive protection scope

The regulation covers both listed and unlisted sites, relics, buildings, and artifacts related to overseas Chinese, aiming to bring immovable cultural heritage of significant preservation value under legal protection through defined procedures and standards.

Enhancing protection systems

Fujian will undertake extensive surveys to assess the quantity and condition of cultural assets, with the regulation introducing standardized procedures for recognition, including public notifications, material submissions, and evaluations, managed by municipal overseas Chinese affairs departments. A protection registry will also be established for systematic and dynamic safeguarding.

Using digital technology

The regulation emphasizes using modern information technology to update survey data, adopting digital methods to display protection marks, and promoting the preservation of endangered heritage through interactive and immersive exhibitions.

Strengthening support mechanisms

Clear responsibilities shall be assigned to local governments and relevant departments, with a call for diversified funding and enhanced multilingual promotion. A provincial expert database will also support heritage protection, alongside a comprehensive system for funding, talent development, and publicity mechanisms.

As a well-known hometown of overseas Chinese, Fujian aims to actively use its overseas Chinese cultural heritage by creating exhibitions that celebrate the spirit of overseas Chinese and their hometown culture, thereby establishing landmark cultural heritage clusters.