Related stories

Renaissance of the Imperial Garden Squeezing the Most out of City Transport Implementation Measures of the "Rules of the People's Republic of China on Customs Protection of Intellectual Property Rights" Tourist Homeage to City's Tragic Past Ancient Cultural City

First Phase of City's Imperial Tourism Zone

The first phase of an official Beijing tourism zone is now under way, initial focus being on numerous famous imperial gardens and scenic spots in the city's north-western suburbs that have survived from ancient Chinese dynasties. In total covering 50 square kilometers, the planned zone runs from the Fragrant Hills in the west to Yuanmingyuan Park in the east, and from Qinghe in the north to the north-west section of the Fourth Ring Road in the south.

The whole project is designed to better protect historical relics in the area, beautify the environment and improve the living conditions of local people, reports Beijing Daily. The first phase concentrates on refurbishing shabby and dangerous houses near Yuanmingyuan Park and the Summer Palace, the latter being a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Also included is construction of highways in the area.

In addition to the Summer Palace, the project area contains seven state-level and 13 municipal-level relics sites. Phase two of the project will embrace the construction of urban light railways and improvements to the environment of the Fragrant Hills and other scenic areas. Completion of the whole project is planned for the end of 2007.