In 1982, the State Council, the highest executive office, published the first 24 ancient cities of historical and cultural significance. These include Beijing, Nanjing, Suzhou, Hangzhou, Luoyang, Guangzhou, Xi'an, and Kunming. in 1986, the Council announced 38 other cities that include Shanhai, Chongqing, Tianjin and Fuzhou. The third batch, numbering 37, was announced in 1994 and the list includes Harbin, Zhengzhou, Dongshan, Foshan and Jilin.

The number of such cities under state protection as nominated by the state to 99. These cities receive state protection for their spectacular scenery and relics. Many of them have been famous since ancient times.