Work to start on tourism facility in Changping

Construction is set to begin later this year on a major tourism service facility in Beijing's Changping district to boost the local shopping industry and improve service to tourists, investors in the project said.

The 286,000-square-meter Fun Capital Outlet Mall will include a five-star hotel and retail outlets. The complex is expected to open in the capital's northwestern suburb in early 2015.

The project's investors - the Beijing Energy Investment Holding Co Ltd and The Place Investment Group - said they will spend 4 billion yuan ($652 million) on the project, which they expect to attract 10 million visitors a year.

The facility is expected to attract tourists on their way to the Great Wall and the Ming Tombs - Changping district's two main tourist attractions - as well as shoppers from Beijing and neighboring provinces.