China will launch its fourth national survey of cultural relics starting in November 2023, to learn about the conditions of immovable cultural relics across the country, according to a circular issued by the State Council on Oct 27.

A national catalog of and a large database for immovable cultural relic resources will be established, and a dynamic management mechanism for relic resources and assets will be built, according to the circular.

The survey also aims to enhance identification and announcement of immovable cultural relics, provide better protection and management, and help cultivate related professionals.

Immovable cultural relics on the ground, underground, and under water will be surveyed. Apart from examining, identifying, and registering newly discovered immovable relics, the survey will focus on re-examining the relics already identified and registered.

Beginning in November 2023 and ending in June 2026, the survey will go through three phases to learn about the names, whereabouts, protection levels, categories, age, ownership, uses and preservation conditions of immovable cultural relics across the country, the circular said.

A leading group will be established to take charge of research and decision-making for major issues during the survey, and inspect an overall plan for the survey, with its office at the National Cultural Heritage Administration carrying out routine work.