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July 9, 2010

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HomeCity specialsHangzhou

Making tracks

CONSTRUCTION is underway on the Huhang (Shanghai-Hangzhou) High-speed Railway in Tongxiang, Zhejiang Province.

When put into use on October 1, trips from Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport to Hangzhou East Station will take only 38 minutes.

The line runs 160 kilometers and trains can travel at speeds up to 350km per hour.

The line will pass through Minhang, Songjiang and Jinshan districts, pass Jiaxing in Zhejiang Province, and arrive at Hangzhou East Station.

There will be nine stops along the route and 80 million passengers are expected yearly on a single-way trip.

The Huning (Shanghai-Nanjing) High-speed Railway, which was launched on July 1, provides fast, point-to-point service, saving time and costs, according to the Shanghai Railway Department.

Summer camp

Migrant children in Hangzhou can attend a free "Under the Same Blue Sky" summer camp.

They will visit Rainbow Valley Amusement Park, the City Planning Exhibition Hall, city library, Polar Ocean World, and take part in barbecues and parties.

A children's peg-top competition will be held on July 22. Swimming, ping-pong and other competitions will be organized in the camp.

For more information, visit www.hzqsn.com or call 12355 ext 8.

Bomb shelters

Nine old bomb shelters are open this summer through August 31 so the public can beat the heat and stay cool underground.

Shelters are furnished and ventilated and offer water, communications and cable TV. Three of the shelters have WAP and Wi-Fi Internet service.

They are open from 8:30am to 10:30pm.

Tea prices up

Bad weather has reduced the harvest of West Lake Longjing Tea this season, resulting in a dramatic increase in farmers' and retail prices.

The harvest fell by 1,828 tons this year, almost 9 percent compared with last year, according to the Hangzhou Statistics Bureau. "We used to harvest more than 200 kilograms of tea, but due to bad weather we only have 100 kilograms, about a third of last year's harvest," said a tea house owner surnamed Mei in Mei Jia Wu.

West Lake Longjing Tea's prices have increased by 15.2 percent to 836 yuan (US$123.35) per kilogram, 110 yuan more expensive than last year, according to the statistics bureau.

Tea industry experts say that despite the price hike, tea retailers are earning less than last year because of price inflation.

Pavilion to move

The China Private Enterprise Pavilion at the World Expo Shanghai will move to Hangzhou's Yuhang District after the six-month event closes on October 31.

Altogether 16 nationally famous private companies are taking part in the China Private Enterprise Pavilion, which depicts the 30 years of great changes among private firms since China's reform and opening-up.

They showcase their history, manufacturing and other procedures. They include Fosun, Alibaba. Dalian Wanda, Suning, Macalline, Metersbonwe, and others. The pavilion covers 6,000 square meters in the Puxi side of the Expo.

Hangzhou government officials say the moving exhibits to Hangzhou will provide local people a better understanding of private enterprise.

Power rationed

While the temperatures hit new high, Hangzhou witnessed a consumption of nearly 40 million kwh early this month, creating a new record. Hundreds of companies will suspend operations for 15 days to ensure locals have sufficient electricity.

The city's electricity and power department said the shortage resulted from increased demand due to hot, humid and rainy weather this season.

The department said that 865 companies will be directed to suspend operations this month, 941 companies in August and 614 companies in September to guarantee a steady supply of electricity.

Restoration project

Hangzhou's Upper Town area will undertake a three-year renovation and reconstruction of 104 historical buildings and relics.

The area was the site of Han (206 BC-AD 220) and Southern Song Dynasty (960-1279) imperial cities and is famous for the ancient street with many dilapidated structures.

Hangzhou Party Secretary Wang Guoping announced the restoration project after attending a conference on historic preservation. He said the project would create a brand-new Upper Town and a better international tourism complex.

Hubin area is to become a world-famous restored business district, combining shopping and eating, with views of West Lake. Sixteen protected heritage sites in the area will first be restored.

"We have been waiting for this for so long and are glad that our historic and cultural relics will be restored," said a resident surnamed Chen who has been living in Sixin Lane for his entire life.

The area has 21 historical streets and 83 historic buildings, totaling more than 350,000 square meters.

Social workers

A social workers' festival will be held in October to recognize the importance of social work in Hangzhou's communities.

A Super Social Worker will be chosen in a competition based on writing, knowledge of social and personal issues, communication and social skills.

The city's first forum for social workers will be held in August when workers as well as residents can air important issues and share views.

The Hangzhou Civil Affairs Bureau plans to set up a Social Workers' Association and training center.


 

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