A national research institute on the recreational economy was set up Wednesday in Hangzhou, capital of east China's Zhejiang Province.

In a related activity, a major recreational park is under construction in the city covering an area of 2,500 mu (167 hectares). The project, which started Tuesday, involves investment of two billion yuan (about US$240 million).

As a world-famous tourist destination, Hangzhou is making efforts to become a recreational center for domestic and overseas tourists during the city's Tenth Five-Year Plan Period (2001-2005).

In recent years, a number of non-governmental enterprises in the city have put large investments into building numerous parks and exposition centers highlighting recreational activities, cultural tours and various entertainment programs.

A local tourism official said that the city government of Hangzhou has made comprehensive preparations to bid for hosting 2004 World Recreational Exposition and other international events.

(People's Daily November 15, 2001)