A research team sent by the Ministry of Culture to the quake-hit areas in Southwest China has found that cultural sites and industries suffered heavy damage during the disaster.

Many cultural resources such as monuments, memorials and community buildings were flattened on May 12.

The Beijing News carries a commentary saying that the rehabilitation of quake-hit areas should have a material AND spiritual focus.

As for restoration of cultural sites, the paper says authorities should take into consideration the wishes of local ethnic groups.

Their unique lifestyle and culture is closely linked with the place they live. Therefore, the article notes the rebuilding work should be carried out keeping in mind their lifestyles prior to the disaster.

The article says new cultural sites should be built using advanced quake-proof technology. The combination of science and humanism is key to establishing a dream spiritual home, it says, adding that no expense should be spared during reconstruction.

The commentary also suggests some destroyed sites be preserved as a memorial to the earthquake. It adds digital technologies may be helpful for the purpose.