Beijing will launch the largest toilet revolution in its history this year in a bid to make its environment more pleasant to increasing number of Chinese and overseas tourists.

Under a municipal plan, the city will upgrade 1,263 latrines within the second ring road before the end of this year, said a spokesman with the urban construction management committee on Thursday.

In fact, 34.2 percent of the city's latrine modernization projects have been completed, with 432 latrines sprucing up its downtown streets.

Beijing launched the massive project in early March to replace its notoriously fetid back street latrines with clean, well-maintained flush ones.

The move is part of the city's efforts to prepare for the 2008 Olympic Games, Beijing Mayor Wang Qishan said earlier.

An earlier report said the city has spent US$29 million over the last three years on building or renovating 747 latrines at scenic spots.

(Xinhua News Agency July 28, 2005)