Two new sightseeing bus tour routes will soon be launched in Beijing to help visitors experience both the ancient and modern in the Chinese capital during the Olympics.

One route starts at Yongdingmen Gate in southern Beijing, and passes several major historic attractions including the Temple of Heaven, the Front Gate (Qianmen), the Tian'anmen Gate, Jingshan Park and the Drum Tower.

The other route starts at Datun, outside the north fourth ring road, and passes major Olympic venues and facilities like the Olympic Green, the Olympic village and the "Bird's Nest" National Stadium.

The new routes, measuring 18.1 km and 16.25 km respectively, would be operational starting July 20, according to the Beijing Public Transport Holdings Ltd. Group.

The tour buses would be double-deckers and air-conditioned.

The fare for the routes would be set in the next few days to come, said the group.

The spokesman said more special tour routes would be opened if they were called for.

The Beijing Olympics opens on Aug. 8.

(Xinhua News Agency July 10, 2008)