Item from June 28, 1996, in China Daily: A senior official yesterday called for better protection and management of scenic spots scattered across China.

Building projects near scenic areas should be strictly controlled to protect the sites and the environment, the official said.

There are 119 major scenic spots in the country.

China has 225 State-level scenic spots and 737 provincial-level sites.

To protect the environment, the government plans to build a national park system based on an internationally recognized model.

That will not only protect the natural environment but also enable the public to better enjoy the sites.

The concept of a national park system was first advanced during the third plenary session of the 18th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China in 2013.

The central government has since launched nine pilot national park programs in 12 provinces and regions, including Qinghai, Hubei and Fujian.

The Sanjiangyuan National Park in Qinghai is one of the projects.

It will protect the headwaters of the Yangtze, Yellow and Lancang rivers.

Infrastructure development at the site is expected to cost 1 billion yuan ($145 million), according to park officials.

To be completed by 2020, the 123,000-square-kilometer park will be the country's first national scenic spot administered by the central government.

Also being developed is a park in Shennongjia in the western part of Hubei province.

It has long been known for its pristine environment, diverse landscapes and wildlife.