China to increase funds in development of culture industry

China's Ministry of Culture (MOC) and Ministry of Finance (MOF) will join forces to develop specific areas of the nation's cultural industry.

China should strengthen efforts in financial support, establishing projects and attracting a broader audience of overseas visitors to help promote key historic and cultural spots in China, a guideline issued by both departments said on Tuesday.

The country should focus on integrating Chinese culture in city construction and support the business model of "enterprise with rural households."

China will also encourage higher education institutes, research centers and enterprises to boost cooperation with local markets, the guideline said.

Qi Shuyu, a scholar with the Chinese Academy of Governance, said the country has 4,295 relics under protection, 47 world heritage sites, and 1,219 heritage sites.

The guideline will help carry on China's traditions in a creative way.

Qi said problems still exist for the industry, which need more innovative ideas, qualified employees, advanced production systems and more investment.

Dong Degang, an official with the MOF, said the country will encourage local financial offices to provide more funds and provide favorable policies to qualified projects.

"In development, we should not destroy historic relics and memories. We should pay high attention to protecting the original features and natural ecology," said Sun Ruofeng, official with the MOC.