BEIJING, March 17 (Xinhua) -- The following were highlights of China's key cultural news in the past week:

-- Construction of national cultural heritage think tank kicks off

The State Administration of Cultural Heritage (SACH) has made planning and implementation arrangements for a national cultural heritage think tank, according to the website of SACH.

The think tank, through concentrating research institutions and scholars inside and outside the cultural heritage system, aims to further improve the investigation, survey, research and legislation on cultural heritage.

-- China to establish first Great Wall restoration center

China's first Great Wall restoration center will be established in Beijing, combining academic research, restoration and protection of the ancient wall.

The center will have archaeologists, designers and craftspersons working together to make targeted plans for the restoration of the Jiankou section of the Great Wall in the northern Huairou District of Beijing.

-- China-produced opera "Un Ballo In Maschera" to hit Beijing stage

A Chinese production of Italian tragedy "Un Ballo In Maschera" will hit the stage of the National Center for the Performing Arts (NCPA) from April 10 to 14.

Produced by the NCPA and directed by internationally known director Hugo De Ana, the performance recreates scenes from the Swedish court and the city of Stockholm during the reign of King Gustav III during the 18th century.

-- Palace Museum, Huawei join hands on cultural development

The Palace Museum on Friday signed a strategic cooperation agreement with Chinese technology firm Huawei on digital construction of the museum.

The museum and Huawei will work together on 5G application, building a "smart museum" and holding artificial intelligence (AI) contests, according to the agreement.