The design plan by Chinese and German architects has been selected for the construction project of the National Museum of China, a spokesman for the museum said Friday.

The design plan, chosen from three candidates by a panel of experts, was made by the Institute of Building Design under the Chinese Academy of Building and the German design company GMP.

The experts described the chosen design plan as rational and practical in the functional structure with innovative and peculiar features.

The structure will be located to the eastern side of Tian'anmen Square in central Beijing, where the existing museum to be pulled down is situated.

The spokesman for the museum said Chinese and German architects are modifying their designs in line with instructions from the National Museum of China.

A total of 10 domestic and overseas design companies submitted their design plans in the first round of bidding.

(Xinhua News Agency September 10, 2004)