The project to restore the capital's ancient defense site at Wanping Township was completed Wednesday, Thursday's Beijing Daily reports.

Built in 1640 during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), the walled township is located in the southwestern part of Beijing, some 15 kilometers away from the city center in Tiananmen Square. Nearby stands the 800-year old Lugou Bridge (Marco Polo Bridge).

In 1937, the township and the bridge withstood the attack of Japanese aggression troops. Experts say that the Wanping town is valuable for its historical relics and ancient architecture.

Four turrets and six other buildings in the township and the ramparts covering 4,596 square meters were restored.

The restoration was conducted in strict accordance with construction methods used in the Ming Dynasty. The Beijing Municipal Bureau of Cultural Relics allocated some three million yuan for the restoration project.

(Xinhua News Agency June 6, 2002)