Nanjing will commit 800 million yuan to beatifying the city, in hope of renovating its historically gentle image with a tough of modern element.

That's what the city tries to impress the comers expected here for the coming 6th international conference of Chinese business people.

Of the 152 environment improving projects, the focus will be on the six major sightseeing thoroughfares and the main road that drives the comers from the airport to the downtown. Greenery will be planted along the roads.

Besides the infrastructure construction, Nanjing will build more parks, squares and public greenery, and set up new traffic barriers and traffic signs.

The conference venue will be the Nanjing International Exhibition Center, which is in the neighborhood of famous scenic spots-- the Zijin Mountain and the Xuanwu Lake.

(Eastday.com 01/08/2001)