A panoramic view of Gulangyu Island in Xiamen, Fujian province. [Photo/people.com.cn]

Xiamen in East China's Fujian province launched a regulation to protect Gulangyu Island on July 8, two years since the beautiful islet was enlisted by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. 

The regulation, upgraded from the incumbent 2012 version, focuses on the prevailing topic of keeping Gulangyu Island alive and able to be passed on. It has forged strong institutional support for heritage protection. 

Li Bennian, a local official of legislative affairs, said the new regulation elucidated the government to cover part of the increased expenses of local residents in shouldering more responsibilities in protecting Gulangyu. 

He added that an administrative organization exclusively for Gulangyu protection will be set up, centralizing the power of law enforcement and improving management efficiency. 

The upgraded version has also specified dos and don'ts on the island, such as a complete ban on outdoor advertisements and barbecue, making the regulations clearer. 

Gulangyu Island teems up with tourists on July 17, 2018. [Photo/VCG]

Furthermore, according to Li, the new edition intensifies the fines for unlawful acts three to five times over, higher than other places. 

A heritage protection fund was established, clearly stating the source of funding and how it can be used. 

"The 2012 regulation has helped Gulangyu ascend to the World Cultural Heritage list, and I'm sure the new version will make this treasure shine brighter," said Zheng Yilin, director of the committee at Gulangyu Island-Wanshi Mountain Scenic Spot.