The president of the Buddhist Association of China called for clear legal status for Buddhist sites and communities during the 60th anniversary of the association on Monday.

With representatives from Buddhist associations around China gathered in Beijing, Master Chuanyin said the association faces a number of problems and challenges.

The "over-commercialization of some famous Buddhist mountains and temples" and those who "pretend to be Buddhists to swindle" are harmful to the inheritance and protection of Buddhism, said Chuanyin, who is the president of the association.

"In society, the legal status of Buddhist sites and communities should be further promoted and more clearly defined," said Chuanyin, after speaking highly of the achievements the association has made in the last 60 years.