Ancient Cliff Paintings in North China Protected

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 ◆ Ancient Cliff Paintings in North China Protected

The Chinese government is outlining a plan to protect a group of 5,000-year-old cliff paintings in north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region.

The paintings in Wuhai, located in the western part of the region, feature spectacular scenes of sacrificial rituals and hunting, and were believed to be used in tributes to the Sun.

However, a few years ago local people set up quarries, lime kilns and coal mines close to the site. Their operation caused acid rain in the area threatening the precious art heritage.

Du Jianhe, vice mayor of Wuhai, said that government will forcethe shutdown of the pollution-producing quarries and lime kilns to save the cliff paintings.

The local government will establish a cliff painting museum for better protection and research work. (Xinhuanet)