The Xuhui District of Shanghai invited public bidding on Monday for the construction of what will be the city's biggest historical scenery protection area.

Six well-known construction firms from the United States, England, France and Japan took part in the bidding, the district government said.

The design of the area, which will stretch from Hengshan Road to Fuxing Road and cover 4.3 square kilometers, must reflect the original style of Shanghai as it appeared in the 1920s and 1930s, officials said.

All buildings, streets, walls and greenery should be elegant and provide a sense of life from a bygone era, officials said.

Under consideration is a part of Shanghai known for its historical houses and interesting architecture, according to the district government.

Currently, 103 historical buildings in the area are under municipal protection. Beautiful villas built in various European styles are the most conspicuous highlight.

Hengshan Road is home to 1,112 villas that were built in the 1920s and 1930s, one of the city's most interesting historical periods to both locals and foreigners.

(Shanghai Daily February 4, 2004)