Shanghai Zhongzhou International has recently purchased the "Shanghai Island" created in Dubai's world map islands. The Chinese company and NAKHEEL COMPANY of Dubai signed the agreement. The project is China's fourth large investment in Dubai. It's also the second biggest purchasing event following the procurement of a TV station in Dubai in 2007, according to Asia Business TV.

An "S" shaped river will be designed for "Shanghai Island", imitating the authentic Huangpu River in Shanghai, China. Water transportation and a network of helicopters will be set up as well on the island. By the end of this year preparatory project work will be finished. Construction will begin in the first half of next year. Shanghai Zhongzhou International estimates it will need two years to finish the project. Specific planning charts of "Shanghai Island" will be unveiled on the 16th of this month.

Architects are also going to design several big bridges for "Shanghai Island" that will follow the styles of famous bridges on the Huangpu River, in order to fully display the unique combination of the East and the West in Shanghai. Ethnic landscapes and business sights representing Shanghai culture will also be planned along both sides of the river. "The subsidiary of Shanghai Zhongzhou International in Dubai estimates an investment of more than 1 billion yuan for the project," Mr. Huang, assistant president of Shanghai Zhongzhou International, said.

For more details, pleas read the full story in Chinese (http://paper.people.com.cn/rmrbhwb/html/2007-10/15/content_25008646.htm).

(China.org.cn, by Yang Xi, October 15, 2007)