The Chinese capital has kicked off the first phase of a tourism zone which covers several famous imperial gardens of ancient Chinese dynasties and scenic spots in the northwestern suburbs of Beijing.

Covering 50square kilometers,the planned imperial tourism zone runs from the Fragrant Hills in the west to the Yuan Ming Yuan or the Garden of Ten Thousand Gardens in the east,and from Qinghe in the north to the northwest section of the Fourth Ring Road in the south.

The whole project is designed to better protect historical relics in the area,beautify the environment and improve the living conditions of local people,according to Thursday's Beijing Daily.

The first phase project focuses on reforming shabby and dangerous houses near the Yuan Ming Yuan,and the Summer Palace,which is on the World Cultural Heritage list of the United Nations Educational,Scientific and Cultural Organization.It also covers construction of highways in the area.

The project area boasts seven state-level and 13 municipal level relics sites in addition to the Summer Palace.

The second phase project covers construction of urban light railways and improvements to the environment of the Fragrant Hillsand other scenic areas.The whole project is expected to be completed by the end of 2007.

( eastday.com July 11, 2002)