Beijing to reopen historic Qianmen street

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2008-07-31 09:55

Beijing will reopen one of its oldest commercial areas as the latest cultural and tourist attraction ahead of the Olympics, officials announced on Tuesday.

After a massive refurbishment lasting over one year, the Qianmen Street in the heart of the Chinese capital will be opened to visitors on Aug. 7, one day ahead of the opening of the 29th Summer Olympics, said Wang Chengguo, spokesperson of Beijing's Chongwen District where the street is.

A dozen local brand-names originated from Qianmen in the past century, such as the Quanjude roasted duck restaurant and the Zhangyiyuan tea house, will also open their new outlets on the same day, Wang told a press conference.

"The aim of the refurbishment is to restore the glory of Qianmen as a key commercial and cultural hub of old Beijing, and meanwhile to improve the infrastructure of the neighborhood," Wang said.

The area is expected to display Beijing's historic and cultural heritage to visitors from all over the world, which is also in line with the Olympic spirit to encourage cultural exchange and mutual understanding, he said.

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