China's westernmost Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region plans to open a large-scale safari park for the preservation of wildlife and unique natural sites.

An official with the autonomous region's forestation bureau said the safari park would comprise a wildlife rescue center, a genetic storehouse of extinct animals and a desert flora-fauna research institute.

The park is being built in southern Xinjiang's Bourtu area, covering an area of nearly 6,670 hectares, including 2,000 hectares of natural forests, 2,670 hectares of wetland, 1,330 hectares of water area and 670 hectares of sandbanks, said the official.

The park, due to be completed in 2005, was co-funded by the autonomous regional government and local enterprises, with the total investment of more than 90 million yuan (US$11 million).

Xinjiang enjoys a vast territory and abundant natural resources, noted the official, and the safari park was expected to improve the environment and preserve Xinjiang's special geological and cultural resources.

(Xinhua News Agency January 7, 2004)