In a move to improve city functions, Beijing plans to increase transport facilities and rationalize construction designs.

 

According to an exhibition opened on Friday at the Beijing Urban Planning Exhibition Hall, major shopping areas such as Xidan Street and transport hubs like the Beijing Railway Station will rearrange bus lines and have new subway entrances respectively.

 

The second ring road, adjacent to old city's walls, is just a few kilometer away from city center. The eastern part of the area within the ring road will be dominated by business offices while its western side will see more financial complexes. The southern area will be residential and the northern one will be characterized by cultural facilities, plus grassland 2.4 kilometers long and 15-28 meters wide at Desheng Park.

 

The bicycle line is expected to be added to more roads and thoroughfares in the residential areas within the third ring road.

 

The fourth ring road will be Olympic-themed as many Olympic projects are located nearby. More attention will be given to the construction of transport facilities including parking lots and bus stations.

 

The fifth ring road links a lot of tourist spots such as the Fragrant Hills, the Botanic Garden and the Yuan Ming Yuan Imperial Garden. The planning authorities intend to give prominence to the Olympic atmosphere in the area, and will set up more traffic signs and lights.

 

The exhibition, to run till mid-December, will take in the opinion of the public.

 

(BOCOG November 22, 2006)