China's first digital pay TV channel focusing on hair dressing, body building, costume and etiquette is expected to open on January 1, 2004, in Jiangsu Province, east China.

The TV channel, dubbed "Liangzhuang (Beautification)", will include news and information, special reports, interactive programs, and dramas.

It has signed agreements with a dozen domestic and international TV channels such as French "Fashion TV", according to Xu Chengyong, head in charge of preparations for the new TV channel.

As pay TV is still new to China, the "Liangzhuang" channel is likely to become profitable by the end of 2005, Xu said.

The government has encouraged the development of pay TV channels, as part of its effort to reform the country's TV industry. According to the government plan, by 2005 digital pay TV channels will be opened in big cities, with a total of 30 million viewers.

(Xinhua News Agency November 3, 2003)