The crucial role of the local government in managing the archaeological chain: the cultural relcis bureau of Luoyang

The Cultural Relics Bureau case study is of particular interest: •The Bureau plays a fundamental role in the cultural heritage of the whole area, being the key element of connection between the local government and operative cultural institutions (what is usually referred to as PSUs, Public Sector Units, or Shiye Danwei). For this reason the case reflects a high degree of complexity, wherein the relationships and problems analyzed at the single institutions level, converge at the integrated, overall level. •Due to the peculiar history of the area and richness of heritage, Luoyang Bureau is much larger than other municipal relics bureaus; moreover, it has a particular institutional position (directly under the major), and benefits of special political and financial support. In this sense it is not representative of the average Cultural Relics Bureaus in China; rather it reflects the management of one of the most important cultural area of the Country. •The Bureau has a crucial role in terms of responsibility and control of operative institutions (PSUs), with the emerging of several accountability issues. •Together with higher governmental levels, the Bureau is today pushing forward a huge development plan of the city based on the protection and development of four key national sites. The project poses several important issues on professional (protection vs. visitor orientation) and managerial aspects (financial and human resources, business plans, capacity building), which need to be addressed and carefully handled.