A traditional Chinese culture center - the Liulichang Traditional Cultural Industrial Area - is expected to be merged into the Beijing Xuanwu District within a few years.

"Liulichang will become a cultural neighborhood incorporating culture, business and tourism into its economy," said Tang Dasheng, head of Xuanwu District.

According to the blueprint for the area, it is likely to be a business area dealing in jewellery, antiques and handicrafts, a hub for ancient book stores, a center for traditional cultural exchange activities and an area gathering famous stores and cultural relics together.

"We will also turn this area into a large-scale cultural museum displaying lane, courtyard, garden, couplets and other examples of ancient Chinese architecture," Tang indicated.

So far, a group of projects, involving the Oriental Antique Art Mansion, the International Culture Exchange Center and the Chinese Cultural Heritage Bookstore, are in the design stage.

The China Bookstore officials said they will co-operate with Xuanwu District to set up the country's largest ancient bookstore, which will focus on the publishing industry, calligraphy and painting as well as the letters and manuscripts of celebrities.

Meanwhile, in the hope of promoting traditional Chinese culture around the world, they are looking for overseas partners to set up subsidiaries within the area.

"We intend to establish shareholding company to introduce funds from home and abroad, and combine Liulichang's management with e-commerce through the Internet," Tang said.

They plan to hold consultations about Chinese cultural appreciation, folk fairs, arts and crafts exhibitions and auctions of authentic art online in the future.

(China Daily 02/13/2001)