People living along the main street in Zhujiajiao Town will soon have running water, cable TV and gas in their homes, as part of a renovation project that is scheduled to be completed before the National Day on October 1.

The renovation work officially began yesterday. Workers will restore old houses along the town's North Street, lay sewage and gas pipes, and set up new electricity, telecommunication and broadcast wires.

Zhujiajiao is a water town located about one hour's drive from downtown.

Its canals, old bridges and ancient architecture attract large numbers of tourists every year.

North street, which is more than one kilometer long, is dotted with home and businesses built in typical architecture styles of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) and Qing Dynasty (1644-1911).

With the passing of time, many houses have become dilapidated and the quality of water in wells and canals has deteriorated because sewage is often discharged without treatment.

The town is also seeking to boost local business to attract travelers.

"Most of the stores sell traditional food and souvenirs. Those types of businesses are too simple," said Wu Yuquan, a manager at Zhujiajiao Investment and Development Co Ltd, a state-owned company in charge of the town's development.

The firm will work with local business owners to help them find more profitable and attractive products to improve tourism.

"We will also turn 25 excellent historical buildings into hotels so visitors can spend the night in the town," Wu said.

(Source: www.shanghai.gov.cn )