Related stories

Two New Opera Houses for Beijing All Systems Go for Beijing's New CBD General Policy for Volunteers for the Beijing Olympic and Paralympic Games Beijing Marriot Hotel City Wall: Prepared for a Prosperous Beijing Green Olympics Logo for Beijing Games Unveiled

Major New Roles Planned for Beijing's Chaobai River

About 100km of Beijing's 134.4-km Chaobai River is to be officially environmentally protected so that it can contribute to the supply of vegetables and non-staple foods for the capital. Its remaining length will be turned into a modern aquatic sports-training and competition arena. Approved by the Beijing Municipal Commission of Urban Planning, the upgrading is expected to get under way before the end of this year. Within eight years, it is forecast, the river will become a Chinese "La Seine".

The river is the only lengthy local waterway to boast both beautiful scenery and clear water lapping onto wide banks. In places it is bordered by forest. Plans include gymnasiums and stadiums for the 2008 Beijing Olympics, with the Xiangyang floodgate area designated as the yachting and canoeing competition site. The river will also become a future competition base for aquatic sports.