Shan Jixiang (right), director of the Palace Museum, Ma Guoxin (second right), an academician at the Chinese Academy of Engineering, and other guests launch a research center of 20th-century architectural heritage in Beijing on Tuesday. [Photo by Jiang Dong/China Daily]

The list has been expanded twice since then and now includes about 300 sites nationwide.

"Chinese architecture means much more than wooden buildings (like in ancient times)," says Jin Lei, deputy director of the 20th-century architectural heritage committee under the Chinese Society of Cultural Relics.

"Chinese architecture today follows traditions, but it should have the global vision to mix different styles."

Consequently, as a trial, the Beijing Institute of Architectural Design launched its architectural and cultural heritage research center, also on Tuesday.

The center is based on the principles of the International Council on Monuments and Sites, a major advisory body for UNESCO. It is to engage in systematic investigations and publicity of 20th-century architectural heritage in China and offer a platform for architects and heritage experts to exchange ideas for the renovations of relevant old buildings.

Jin says the recent efforts of academic organizations and architects will lead to better laws to protect heritage sites.

The purpose of protecting such sites is not only about creating new tourism destinations or past nostalgia.

"They can inspire more creative ideas for urban development in the future," Jin adds.