New 'international business center' to convert crime area

Beijing is offering cash prizes for designs to turn a crime-infested suburb into an international business hub.

According to a "worldwide" invitation posted on the Internet over the weekend, architects are required to submit designs before April 1 that can transform a 6.2 sq m northern section of Dongba, an eastern suburb of the city, into Beijing's largest business district.

Successful plans will receive payment of 800,000 yuan and be eligible for extra cash prizes of unspecified amounts.