Beijing is a masterpiece in urban planning history and a crystallization of the experiences of Chinese urban development over thousands of years. Reviews the measures taken to preserve Beijing's existing urban fabric and the contradiction between the old city and new buildings. Focuses on three primary steps taken, which include: formulating of preserving the city's traditional features as an important part of its masterplan; drafting of areas of protection around prominent historical relics where buildings should be under strict control; and zoning of building height limits for different areas according to the general effect of maintaining the city's identity. All these steps have been enforced by municipal ordinance.