An academic seminar on the protection and utilization of 20th-century architectural heritage opened at the Digital Exhibition Hall of Yihe Road in Nanjing City on November 18.

The event unveiled a picture book on the province’s 20th-century architectural heritage, and released Jiangsu’s achievements in preserving heritage buildings, which have formed a key part of the city's cultural identity.

Wang Anwei, Party chief of Gulou District, said the district has 14 projects recognized on the 20th-Century Architectural Heritage List, compiled by the Chinese Society of Cultural Relics and the Architectural Society of China, and provides rich opportunities to explore history.

Jiangsu has consistently prioritized the protection of historical and cultural elements in urban and rural construction. The province boasts the highest number of national level historical and cultural cities, towns and neighborhoods. For example, the Yihe Road in Gulou District is notable for its 225 well-protected buildings from the Republic of China period.

During the meeting, Wang Xuefeng, director of the provincial Department of Housing and Urban-rural Development, said the eight editions of the 20th-Century Architectural Heritage List have included 66 buildings from Jiangsu.