Before 2008, Babaoshan Revolutionary Cemetery's cremation facilities will be moved out of Beijing proper to Mentougou District in western suburban Beijing, a local civil affairs official has announced.

The new 30,000 square meter site for the crematorium will be at Wolonggang in Mentougou District.

Preparations for the relocation have begun, the Beijing Municipal Civil Affairs Administration said on Wednesday.

Babaoshan cemetery's memorial park will remain at the original site and funerals will still be held there, according to the administration.

A number of late Chinese leaders, such as Zhu De and Dong Biwu as well as international friends such as American writer Agnes Smedley rest in peace at Babaoshan cemetery. The cremains of many ordinary Chinese are also kept there.

(Xinhua News Agency January 13, 2006)