This provides an opportunity for social groups to participate in the conservation and use of the sites.

The preservation and use of historic buildings in Jinan has showed us the significance of, and the potential for, protecting historic buildings and groups of buildings, as well as the historic downtown area, says Jiang.

With social development and the enhancement of public awareness, a greater number of social groups will participate in the protection of historic buildings, he says, stressing that the focus is not only on protecting the old buildings, but also helping to revive the historical culture the architecture embodies.