The protection of Beijing's precious cultural relics need not be at odds with the capital's fast economic development, delegates said at the city's annual legislative meeting on Sunday.

"People used to think protecting cultural relics stood on the opposite side to developing the local economy, but actually the growing economy should offer a strong foundation for the experts and the public to better preserve the city's treasured past," said Chen Bali, a delegate at the ongoing Fourth session of the 11th Beijing Municipal People's Congress.

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As the vice-director of Chaoyang Cultural Relics Administration, Chen said Chaoyang had developed fast as the city's most prosperous district and the number of the cultural relics it houses is few.

"And we have the responsibility to maintain them in good condition and not lose any more," she said.

The idea of both preserving history and developing the future was echoed by other delegates.

In the municipal government's strategic plan for the next five years, the way in which the city's past can be protected is a major concern.

The plan calls for the strengthening of the protection of the old city by focusing on restoring the original beauty of cultural relics in two areas during the next five years - Chaoyangmen-Fuchengmen street, which crosses the downtown in an east-west direction, and the central axis, which crosses the downtown from north to south.

The plan was described by Zhang Gong, director of the city's Development and Reform Commission.

Because most historic sites and places of interest were built along the two lines - including Baitasi Temple, Xishiku Church, the Drum Tower, and more - renovation of the lines will help give residents and tourists a feel for the city's rich history and vibrant culture.

According to Kong Fanzhi, director of the Beijing Municipal Administration of Cultural Heritage, the old city as a whole has the potential to be renovated.

Kong said the basic structure of the old city is intact, even though some important landmarks have been permanently lost.

In the municipal government's 2010 work report, the city described how it had completed 29 projects in the past year involved with the preservation and renovation of cultural relics.

The report said that private money will be encouraged in the future to be directed toward renovating traditional courtyard houses and hutong areas.