The long lifespan of the people of Bama Yao autonomous county in Hechi, is famed throughout China, and soon visitors to the area will be able to find out more about secrets to living a long and healthy life.

Construction got under way on a 500 million yuan ($72 million) health promotion center on Dec 17, a facility will integrate traditional Chinese medicine, modern healthcare management, and Chinese health care theories embodied in Confucianism, Buddhism and Taoism when completed.

Inheritors of local intangible culture traditions attend the ceremony. [Photo/bama.gov.cn]

Covering 700 mu (46.67 hectares), the center will feature a longevity temple, a clinic of traditional Chinese medicine, a research center, and residences with high-end health promotion equipment. It will also have an international conference center which will be used as an international platform to exchange ideas on Buddhist culture and longevity culture.

Local officials and health industry experts attended a ceremony opening the construction project. Zhu Wanyong from the China Ageing Development Foundation, said, "By using technology, medical experts and government financial support, the health promotion center in Bama will lead the way in innovation for national health promotion."

Local official Luo Caimei attends a ceremony held for the beginning of the health promotion center's construction. [Photo/bama.gov.cn]

Master Yanshilin, supervisor of Shaolin Temple will be in charge of the longevity temple, according to bama.gov.cn.

Bama is one of 77 "longevity cities" in China and has an average life expectancy of 85, 10 years longer than the national average.

Local officials attend the opening ceremony for the construction of a health promotion center. [Photo/bama.gov.cn]