The results of a ballot for Pudong's top 10 "tourist scenic spots" have not pleased some local researchers of architecture.

They said all the winners, announced by the Pudong New Area government on Wednesday, are modern constructions with little historic value.

They also said the online ballot could not accurately reflect majority opinion because many people, including some lovers of old architecture, are less likely to browse the Internet than young people.

"The result of the ballot really did take me by surprise," Zhu Longzhu, head of the Pudong Cultural Relics Protection Administration, told Shanghai Daily yesterday.

More than 10,000 residents and visitors voted on the top 10 over the past month, by Internet, hot line and cell phone.

The winners are: Jin Mao Tower, Oriental Pearl TV and Broadcast Tower, Shanghai Maglev Line, Shanghai Science and Technology Museum, Pudong International Airport, Lujiazui Greenland, Riverside Boulevard, The Bund Sightseeing Tunnel, Century Park and the Shanghai Ocean Aquarium.

But Zhu and other experts stressed that Pudong not only is known for its skyscrapers in Lujiazui area but, more importantly, is home to various historic houses built early last century. They are calling for action to make local residents more aware of the historic buildings in the district.

Pudong has recognized about 30 excellent historic buildings, most of which were built in the late Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) and the early years of the Republic of China (1912-1949).

Many of the buildings were once home to famous educators, revolutionaries, writers and government officials.

What might be the most renowned building is a small courtyard at 74 Nanshi Road in Chuansha Township where Soong Ching Ling, wife of Dr Sun Yat-sen, was born. Archives also show Soong's parents were married in the courtyard.

(Shanghai Daily June 18, 2004)