Guang'an Avenue, which runs across southern Beijing, was recently completed. A 1.8-km-long pedestrian road will extend from Guang's an Avenue to be the longest pedestrian road in China, according to the latest Beijing Review.

The road, extending from Zhushikou to Ciqikou, is 300,000 square meters on both sides. This pedestrian street has 15 large buildings, most of which are three or four storeys high and stand shoulder-to-shoulder. The buildings are an elegant blend of the traditional and the modern.

Each of the four bridges above the street will demonstrate the following themes： The four great inventions of China, chemical elements, the stave, and pictures showing change of time and space. A group of statues with Chinese characters on them will also be built. According to experts, the business buildings in southern Beijing have been deeply influenced by Western architecture. This Western influence will be displayed by the buildings on this pedestrian street, the buildings will also have Western signs on them, for the benefit of foreigners.

About 10 business centers will be formed on the pedestrain street, which will be connected with Chongwenmenwai Street and Qianmen business areas in a U-shaped business chain. Ultimately, they will form a large business district in southern Beijing. The administration of the Chongwen District will provide one-stop services, which will enable investors to complete all the formalities in one place. Advertising billboards will be regulated in order to make the street a good place for all people. Finally, real estate administration companies will hire efficient cleaning and security staff to ensure China 's longest pedestrian street to be the cleanest and safest one.

(People's Daily 07/31/2001)