QINHUANGDAO, Aug. 6 (Xinhua) -- A senior Chinese leader on Thursday called for the use of historical and cultural heritage as a platform to promote patriotism, particularly among the country's young people.

    Li Changchun, a member of the Standing Committee of the Communist Party of China Central Committee Political Bureau, made the remarks during an inspection tour of a renovation project of the Shanhaiguan, a major pass of the Great Wall in the city of Qinhuangdao in northern Hubei Province.

    Li called for efforts to display vividly the splendid civilization of the Chinese nation and embrace patriotism and innovation so as to boost national confidence and pride.

    After listening to a report on the progress of the renovations, Li said priority should be given to the protection and conservation of the Wall, and that it must be used rationally and better managed.

    He also asked authorities to incorporate cultural elements into tourism to enrich people's spiritual and cultural lives.

    Li also urged efforts to promote the patriotism of the public, especially the young people, by attracting them to visit important cultural heritage masterpieces such as the Great Wall.