Authorities in the Chinese capital are asking the public for ideas to improve Beijing's streetscape, including iconic areas such as Tiananmen Square and Chang'an Avenue.

The municipal government is hoping for proposals that will make the city more attractive when it becomes the international showcase for the Olympic Games in 2008.

The municipal headquarters for environmental construction for 2008 said suggestions could include such aspects as green areas, sculptures, signage and lighting.

Under the city's Plan for Environmental Construction in Major Streets and Areas, proposals should conform to principles of "aesthetic sensibility", cost, practicality, easy maintenance, and sustainability.

Areas mentioned in the plan include the major east-west route of Chang'an Avenue and its extensions at both ends, areas along the main north-south routes, and the second to the fifth ring roads.

Also listed are Tian'anmen Square, the capital's traditional center, areas around the Capital International Airport, Olympic Games venues, the Wangfujing shopping district, Beijing Railway Station, and the Shichahai lakes area.

Other areas include the main city-airport highway, the historic road between Chongwenmen and Yonghegong, Xidan Northern Boulevard, Ping'an Street, Guang'anmen-Guangqumen Street, Qianmen-Hepingmen-Xuanwumen Street, Chaoyangmen-Fuchengmen Road, and Zhongguancun Street, the city's high-tech base, in Haidian District.

(Xinhua News Agency April 24, 2006)