Beijing plans to transform a centuries-old commercial center in the downtown area into a tourism, shopping, recreation and entertainment center, said a local official Thursday.
The Dazhalan area, located in the Xuanwu District in the southern part of the city, has been a local commercial center for more than 600 years.
Many traditional architectures and historical sites, like the alleyways called hutongs, temples, teahouses, banking houses, stages for opera performance, quadrangles and former residences of late celebrities, are still well preserved in Dazhalan, adding great relish to the attraction of the area.
Protection of the traditional buildings and cultural heritage is part of the development plan of a new Dazhalan commercial center.
According to the plan, installation of necessary facilities in the area will start within the year, with the adoption of a series of favorable policies to attract big investors and brand-name enterprises and with the offering of good services.
(Xinhua News Agency July 4, 2003)
