Li Xiaojie, director of the China Foundation for Cultural Heritage Conservation and the first president of the alliance－which is held in rotation－said the aim is to build a network for nongovernmental efforts to enable a better exchange of experience.

It would be wrong to deny access to some ancient architecture, Li Xiaojie said. Protection and use are never conflicting. The final goal is for the value of heritage to be shared by future generations.

"For some ancient architecture, it will be harmful if we don't use it," he said.

However, the traditional mindset in Chinese cultural heritage circles may differ with this view.

For instance, in the cultural relics protection law, there is scant mention of how protected heritage can be used.

"There are still some misunderstandings," Li Xiaojie said. "Protection is, of course, a priority. But only when a heritage site is used more can people better understand its value."