The World Bank financed project to protect the environment on both sides of Lijiang River in Guilin, one of China's most popular tourist destinations, has made progress since it was started early this year.

According to local sources, workers have built protection facilities or planted trees along 5,922 meters of Lijiang River at a cost of 12 million yuan (US$1.45 million) this year.

In 2001 and 2002, workers will continue to carry out the tree- planting project along 26,345 meters of the river at a cost of 49.3 million yuan (about US$5.94 million).

Dubbed as the "Soul of Guilin," Lijiang River is flanked by strangely shaped mountains on both its banks.

Cruising on Lijiang River in a boat, a person can see a corridor of natural beauty and is very popular among tourists who come to Guilin.

But as time goes on, the earth banks of the river have started to fall apart or even sink, making protection top of the agenda.

The entire project will cost 61.3 million yuan (about US$7.39 million), including 30 million yuan (US$3.61 million) loans from World Bank. The project is required to be completed in three years.

(People’s Daily 12/25/2000)