Beijing to Build Largest "Green Square"

A large square covered with grass and trees is to be built in the north central region of the Chinese capital.

The Tian Yuan Square, north of the ancient Forbidden City compound, will cover an area of 42,000 square meters, two thirds of which will be converted into the city's largest-ever green land. The rest of the square will be occupied by upscale office and apartment buildings, hotels, conference halls and supporting facilities.

Jia Qinglin, secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Beijing Municipal Committee, said here today at a meeting with Chinese and overseas architects that he hoped they will take into consideration the significant location of the square as they create their designs. The style of the new buildings in the compound will have an important influence on the city's general planning and construction, he stressed.

Calls for worldwide design bids for the square were announced late February, and a panel consisting of famed international experts was assembled recently to evaluate the nearly 40 designs that had been submitted.

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