Chen Zhifeng, an official with the city Land Resources Programming Bureau, said the planned project was expected to turn the banks of the Haihe, known as the city's "mother river", into the most beautiful part of Tianjin.

The project was also designed to diversify the functions of the river and create more job opportunities through comprehensive development of the riverbanks, Chen said.

The Haihe runs for more than 70km from Tianjin Municipality to Dagukou where it empties into the Bohai Sea. It boasts five trunk streams on the upper reaches and more than 300 major tributaries, distributed in the shape of a fan.

According to historical records, a total of 367 serious floods were reported in the river valley in the 581-year period between 1368 and 1949.

Many water conservancy projects, such as reservoirs, water diversion channels and motor-pumped wells, have been built along the river since 1965,which have helped in preventing floods, and improving water supply and irrigation.

Under the plan adopted by the city government Tuesday, an economic belt hosting service industries, such as recreation and financial businesses, and a scenic belt featuring Haihe River culture are expected to take shape along the riverbanks in three to five years.

A high-tech development zone and a multi-function economic zone will be built along the lower reaches of the river and near Tianjin Port, respectively.

The first phase of the project, costing 19.6 billion yuan (US$2.37 billion), will begin within the year. It will cover construction of infrastructure and cultural facilities and environmental improvement.

(eastday.com.cn October 31, 2002)