On Wednesday, the Beijing Municipal Commission of Planning and Natural Resources and the Haidian district government released 467 traditional geographic names for the "three hills and five gardens" area on websites for public feedback. 

The list includes eight names for natural landscapes and 459 names for cultural sites. The "three hills and five gardens" refers to a collection of historical and cultural sites in the northwestern suburbs of Beijing.

Based on historical documents and maps, research has been conducted to explore the origins, historical changes, and significant events associated with each name. Names are also selected with consideration of their cultural significance, according to an official. 

The geographical scope for protection has been expanded to cover northern areas of Qinghe, Haidian township, Shenghua Temple, and Landianchang. These areas are essential part of the three hills and five gardens culture, and their names are integral to the geographic name system. Inscribing these names in the protection list highlights features of the area's cultural heritage, an official added. 

The places embody a rich cultural identity. Some still contain cultural relics, and the history, culture, and stories linked to these names have been preserved.

Names linked to economic history and water conservation are also included. Experts in planning, geography, history, and geographic naming participated in the research. 

Efforts to protect the area's traditional geographic names began in 2022. The new names are a second batch in the protection effort, with the first batch issued earlier in July this year. 

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