A Western-themed fair is to be held in Shi Jingshan Amusement Park during the Spring Festival.

The carnival aims to bring western customs, music and atmosphere to Beijingers.

There will be performances by prestigious foreign artists, including England's Royal Symphony Orchestra.

Other highlights include fairground rides, and a full-scale replica of a commercial street, featuring vendors hawking in different languages, selling themed crafts and souvenirs such as Swiss-style model windmills.

There will be a snack corner where visitors can buy all different kinds of western food.

Foreign staff hired for the event started practicing yesterday.

(CRI.com January 29, 2005)