News

Dongcheng combines tradition, modernity

By Hao Nan (China Daily)
Updated: 2010-09-13 08:37

The Forbidden City is the largest palace complex in the world.

From the world's largest imperial palace to Tian'anmen Square, Dongcheng district in Beijing houses more than 600 years of national history.

The area, which recently merged with Chongwen district to the south, will soon be the nation's cultural demonstration zone, said a 20-year government strategic development plan.

The plan calls for protection of cultural heritage sites. It also aims to build the district into a modern international metropolis, developing the region's commerce, tourism, sports and service sectors.

The service industry currently accounts for 95.3 percent of Dongcheng's gross domestic product.

Industrial areas

In recent years, a number of industrial centers have emerged in Dongcheng. The Yonghe Cultural Creativity Area has 246 enterprises, and an annual sales revenue of nearly 44 billion yuan.

The Qianmen area, to the north of Tian'anmen Square, showcases several of the nation's time-honored brands.

The zone's 103 businesses include famed roast duck restaurant Quangjude, tea retailer Wuyutai and cloth shoe-maker Neiliansheng.

In Wangfujing, luxury hotels and high-end shopping malls abound.

A walk along the area's commercial street is a must, a site nearly as popular as the Forbidden City and Great Wall.

Wangfujing is hosting an international brands festival this September. Government officials hope the event will attract world-renowned businesses to the area.

Along the East Second Ring Road and Chaoyangmenwai Avenue lies Dongcheng's business district.

Dongcheng’s business district near East Second Ring Road and Chaoyangmenwai Avenue is home to the headquarters of a number of big name companies.

The area houses China National Petroleum Corporation, China National Offshore Oil Corp, Shenhua Group and Beijing Mobile headquarters.

The Longtan Lake region is home to the country's only State-level sports industry base.

All-China Sports Federation, the Olympic Committee of China, the General Administration of Sports and 31 sports management centers are all located there.

The area has already become a global sports industry zone, said officials.

The Dongcheng government hopes its many development projects will showcase a dually modern and traditional Beijing.

(China Daily 09/13/2010 page24)