A former residence of Chang Hsueh-liang, a great Chinese patriot, in northwest China's Shaanxi Province will be restored very soon, sources said.

Chang's residence is located in Xinglong Hill in Wangqu Township of Chang'an county. The principal part of the project is expected to be completed before December 12 this year, the 65th anniversary of the Xi'an Incident.

Chang and General used Wangqu Township as a base for training army officers in 1936.

Chang's residence consists of 12 rooms, in front of which is a 1.86 hectare forested area, and it was used as a venue for military meetings and other purposes.

According to historical records, Chang with General Yang Hucheng arrested Chiang Kai-shek in the Xi'an Incident on December 12, 1936 to try and force him to end the civil war and organize co-ordinated resistance with the Communist forces against the Japanese.

The Xi'an Incident is regarded as giving a great boost to the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression.

Chang died of an illness at his residence in Hawaii, the United States, on October 14, 2001.

(People's Daily November 6, 2001)