Cultural authorities in Fujian province have ordered Fuzhou city to stop the on-going demolition projects at some historical sites, following an outcry from the public over damage to cultural relics, Strait News reported on Sept 3.

The demolition, which was part of the city’s renovation project, began in late August in three old sites in Taijiang district, including Shangxiahang twin streets, the Zhuzi community and the Cangxia street, all of which were central commercial zones in ancient times.

Disgruntled neighborhoods have since been protesting the move. Local media outlets made extensive coverage on the demolition, questioning its legitimacy.

The Fujian provincial Cultural Department has issued an order to suspend the demolition at the three historical sites, said the Strait News, adding that the department will dispatch a panel of experts to study the protection and development modes of those old sites.

Officials in Taijiang admitted to the newspaper on Sept 2 that some historical buildings at a shanty town in Cangxia street were torn down due to “deficiencies in work”, adding that the demolition had been paused, waiting for the re-appraisal of experts.

Those damaged historical buildings at the site will be restored or rebuilt, and the rest will be put under better protection and management, said the officials.