Wen inspected the Beijing Capital International Airport and visited a subway station to become familiar with the plans for improving Beijing's air and railway traffic.

Scientific evaluation, united planning and construction in phases are important to bring the Beijing airport up to par with world's leading hubs and to meet the requirements of the 2008 Olympic Games, said Wen.

He also called for more efforts to improve the urban transportation system in Beijing to offer more convenient travel services for local residents.

The premier also visited some residents living in old and shabby houses, which are to be demolished to make room for new buildings, and inspected a trial project to preserve cultural and historical sites in downtown Beijing.

The transformation of old and unstable houses to improve locals' living conditions should proceed in line with the protection of local cultural and historical relics, to ensure that Beijing becomes a modern city retaining ancient glories, Wen stressed.

After listening to reports on the construction of fields and stadiums for the 2008 Olympic Games, Wen called for the comprehensive, coordinated and sustained development of the city in the process to further its modernization drive.

(Xinhua News Agency August 8, 2003)