Hundreds of reporters from both sides of the Taiwan Straits, Hong Kong, Macao and other countries arrived in Xi'an, capital of northwest China's Shaanxi Province, Wednesday to get prepared for the first leg of the upcoming visit by James Soong, chairman of People First Party (PFP).
   
The local information office is preparing a press release for reporters and issuing press cards for them.
   
Some reporters have gone to the Huangdi Mausoleum, 130 km from Xi'an, to get prepared for Soong's visit. The China Central Television Station and the Shaanxi provincial television station will broadcast Soong's arrival at Xianyang Airport and visit to Huangdi Mausoleum live, two major venues of his upcoming visit to Shaanxi.
   
Tsinghua University in Beijing is also preparing for Soong's arrival, expecting him to give a speech. Despite many students' and faculty members' desire to witness this historical occasion, the university's conference hall only has a capacity of 600. Lots will be drawn to determine seating.
   
Nanjing is the second stop of Soong's mainland visit. All the scenic spots Soong will visit will remain open to the public.
   
South China Airlines has selected stewardesses coming from Hunan to serve Soong during his flight as Soong is a native of Hunan.
   
His hometown has prepared delicious local specialities such as bacon, rice wine and tea for Soong. Villagers have also paved a cement road leading to the tomb of Soong's late father.

(Xinhua News Agency May 5, 2005)