Beijing announced Tuesday that it will protect and rebuild Yuanmingyuan, a well-known Chinese imperial garden, into a heritage park on schedule.

Beijing will work harder to clear up illegal construction and conflicting business activities in the park, restore the garden's surface features, and develop sustainable uses for water resources, said Yu Jun, deputy head of Beijing's Haidian District, where Yuanmingyuan is located.

Yuanmingyuan was a imperial private garden created in the early 18th century and was once known as the "Versailles of the East." It was destroyed by invading British and French troops in 1860.

A controversial environmental protection project, lining the garden's lake beds with plastic membranes to prevent water loss, along with some other issues, have triggered heated public debate. Many said the project will destroyed the garden's archeological and aesthetic values.

Yu said differences of opinion on how to protect the garden have existed for a long time and will continue to exist.

However, the controversy reflects the public concern about the garden as a cultural and heritage site.

Yu said that the government will protect and build the garden according to scientific studies. Environmental departments are evaluating the lake-lining project.

(Xinhua News Agency May 25, 2005)