Nowadays, it offers a living, evolving testament to how a grand plan for preserving the past is implemented at the grassroots level.

　　The Regulations of Hangzhou on the Protection and Management of the Liangzhu Ancient City World Cultural Heritage were officially rolled out in June. They establish a comprehensive legal framework that aims to integrate this cradle of Chinese civilization more deeply into the fabric of contemporary life.

　　Sun Haibo, director of the Cultural Relics and Heritage Administration Bureau of the Hangzhou Liangzhu Archaeological Site Administrative District, said that the regulations could provide a model for the management of large-scale archaeological sites nationwide.

　　The legislation, comprising six chapters and 37 articles, marks a decisive shift from decades of protection-first focus to a more ambitious vision of making heritage a driver of coordinated regional development.

　　"This has been an iterative journey spanning more than 20 years," said Sun. "At each stage, we faced different challenges."

　　In the early 2000s, Liangzhu's northern mountains, which were rich in high-quality stone, were being carved up by quarries and thus served as one of the main drivers of the local economy.

　　Upon learning about the situation in July 2003, Xi, then Party secretary of Zhejiang, visited the site and promptly ordered the closure of the mines. It was not an uncommon occurrence at a time when archaeological protection was often compromised for the need of economic development.

　　However, Xi emphasized that economic growth should not be at odds with cultural preservation.

　　He also said that the Liangzhu site is a sacred place that provides evidence of China's 5,000-year-old civilization, and is an invaluable treasure that must be protected.