Suzhou Creek - once one of Shanghai's main transportation waterways but polluted in the 20th century beyond all recognition - is hoping to transform itself into a tourist spot.

Over 200 officials, experts and business people gathered yesterday at a forum to discuss ways to rehabilitate the city's downtown river and turn it into a "cultural corridor" that would attract businesses and tourists alike.

"From the late 1890s, local businessmen established factories along the creek for oil extraction, flour, textiles, coinage, matches, printing presses, tobacco and machinery," said Chen Qinjian, a heritage expert at East China Normal University.

"Building topical museums with interactive activities can tap into this history."

The city will also create a sight seeing route for water buses along the creek, which will allow visitors to sail from its source in Jiangsu Province to its confluence with the Huangpu River at the northern end of the Bund.

Visitors will be able to relax and enjoy the river landscape drifting by, or pull up to the bank to stop at scenery spots and museums, said city officials.

The factories that lined the creek in the first half of the 20th century took their toll on the waterway. By 1978, Suzhou Creek's entire Shanghai section was polluted. The city government has invested 8.65 billion yuan (US$1.26 billion) from 1988 to improve the condition of the black and smelly water, and progress could be seen a decade later, according to Ruan Yisan, an expert on urban planning.

Now the narrow and winding river is set to enter its next phase of rejuvenation. Thirteen bridges on the creek will be renovated, and other new bridges will be built. The lighting along the creek will also be redesigned to create a tranquil atmosphere on both sides of the river's banks, according to Putuo District Director Cai Zhiqiang.

The renovated area is expected to attract businesses to the site.

"Investors like to develop engaging city riverside areas," said Peter °?Zlonicky, an international planner from Germany.

A 2.2-square-kilometer business zone focusing on the service industry is scheduled to be built on the north of the creek in 2010.

(Shanghai Daily September 29, 2008)