With the progress of renovation work, most of the key historical sites in Beijing will take on a new look.

Last year, a renovation project was launched by the Beijing Municipal Government, which has planned to allocate 330 million yuan (US$38.6 million) to refurbish local ancient buildings within three years.

Immediately after the completion of the renovation of the Temple of Heaven, work is set to start on the Confucian Temple.

The major sites for renovation this year include the Ming Dynasty Wall at Chongwenmen, the Imperial College, and the East Catholic Church.

A plan for renovating the ancient buildings along the streets connecting Chaoyangmen and Fuchengmen, and those along the Axile Road will be drawn up this year.

Due to the lack of competent management and sufficient funds, a large number of historical sites are in poor condition, and in urgent need of renovation and protection, according to an official from the Beijing Relics Bureau.

So far, many of the ancient buildings in Beijing are still inhabited or used as offices.

(Eastday.com 01/15/2001)