Chinese scientist Chen Chunxian, founder of Beijing's Zhongguancun hi-tech area, has passed away at the age of 70.

The physicist died Monday morning. He made his last contribution to society by donating his corneas to a medical institution.

In 1980, 46-year-old Chen Chunxian tabled the proposal of building Zhongguancun into China's "Silicon Valley".

He left Chinese Academy of Sciences the same year to establish the first private scientific institution in the country, the precursor of China's hi-tech enterprises.

Chen Chunxian's efforts to develop China's hi-tech industry have given him the name "father of Zhongguancun".

(CRI August 11, 2004)