Ming Tombs to get tourism makeover

The government will also hold exhibitions to display cultural relics.

An insider familiar with the plan but not authorized to talk to the media said most of the residents make a living by farming and will be relocated to a community that can provide them jobs in the tourism industry.

"The government has been considering settling them by providing both a place to live and a job," the source said. "Many of those people are descendants of the ones who guarded the Ming Tombs, so they have a tight connection with the tombs.

"It's not a good idea to simply cut those connections, so the government will develop the tourism industry near the relics and offer job opportunities such as bus drivers, guides, salespersons and even temporary actors for the historical shows."

"The area will need many employees, which will give the residents jobs," the source said.

The plan is still awaiting approval and there is no detailed time frame.