Historical buildings in Guangdong province will be protected from demolition under draft legislation that will impose fines of up to 500,000 yuan ($79,000).

The rule, under consideration, will also require city and county government to set up a protection list of historical buildings. The protection list will allow public and expert opinion before the application is considered.

This is the first time the province has moved to protect historical building by legislation. Buildings on the protection list can't be demolished without authorization. Companies who violate the order will be fined between 200,000 and 500,000 yuan and individuals between 100,000 and 200,000 yuan.

China has seen rapid progress in property development in past decade, meanwhile lots of historical buildings have been demolished, triggering an outcry to better protect them.