The well-known writer and preservationist Feng Jicai, a standing member of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), has proposed that a cultural awareness test be given to recruits for leadership posts in culture.

"A leader with little understanding of Chinese culture is a lame leader," Feng observed. "We cannot let a layman guide a group of experts any more."

Feng, who is vice-president of the China Federation of Literature and Arts, said the reason he proposed a culture awareness test is because "the person who is in charge of culture should understand culture and be passionate about culture. "