Beijing's rich past will be enhanced as part of an ambitious multi-million-yuan project in the lead-up to the 2008 Olympic Games.

Beijing Cultural Relics Bureau head Mei Ninghua said the municipal government would invest 600 million yuan (US$72.6 million) between 2003 and 2008 to maintain and renovate more than 100 places of historic interest across the city.

Mei said an additional 700 million yuan (US$84.6 million) would be contributed by local districts and other sources.

Ancient temples, imperial gardens, residences of the nobility and imperial tombs will be renovated during the five year plan, designed to excite athletes and tourists as they pour in for the 2008 Olympics.

Top of Beijing's agenda is the renovation of historical sites and landscapes along the city's central axis and Chaofu Street.

The north to south axis road and the east to west street made up the basic layout of ancient Beijing, which was the capital of the Yuan (1271-1638), Ming (1638-1644) and Qing (1644-1911) dynasties.

Dozens of historical sites stand along the two lines. "To maintain and revamp these heritage sites as well as their landscapes is the key to showcase the culture and history of the ancient city," Mei said.

Mei said other famous heritage sites such as the Great Wall north of Beijing, the Summer Palace in the western suburbs, the Grand Canal in the east, the imperial tombs and several temples would also be renovated.

Beijing, an ancient city with a fascinating culture, is facing a common dilemma for many other cities worldwide -- the need to safeguard its past while continuing to build its future.

It seems the traditional look and feel of the ancient city is being pushed back by futuristic skyscrapers and trendy shopping centers. Across the city, sites of cultural heritage are at risk of disappearing because of rampant destruction and urbanization.

"These places are the best material record of our past and should be protected," Mei said.

In the past three years, local government has earmarked 330 million yuan (US$40 million) for relic protection. Mei said 98 heritage sites had been or were still in the process of being restored.

"In the next five years, our work will shift from separate sites renovation to the protection and promotion of the entire landscapes," Mei said.

(China Daily August 1, 2002)