As a result of regional realignment, the area under the jurisdiction of the Suzhou New District(SND) has been extended to the edge of Tai Lake. The first phase of the Tai Lake Avenue project, completed in October 2004, is open to traffic and the Suzhou Science and Technology Center has been completed. The basic route has been established and the southern part of Tai Lake is becoming more accessibel. On June 16, the second part of Tai Lake Avenue was completed. When the construction of the entire road is complete, it will take less than 15 minutes to get to Tai Lake by car. Also on June 16, corner stone ceremonies were held for the second phase of the Huaneng Power Plant project as well as the No.2 SND Waterworks project. The Tongan Bridge was also opened to traffic at this time.

　 In order to protect the environment of Tai Lake, the SND conducted a careful investigation of a 20-square-kilometer area along Tai Lake. The resulting development plan, with the themes of nature, ecology and rustic charm, tries to attain harmony between man and nature and create a leisure region combining the features of tradition and modernity.

　　After the Tai Lake Avenue is completed, the ancient Wu culture, which has-been relatively unknown because of its isolation, will be more accessible. The road will connect the eastern and western parts of suzhou, acting as a cultural corridor. Along the road are many beautiful scenic spots, ancient tombs, calligraphy, including Fenghuang Temple. You can also see Baima Jian and Shushan Eco-Parks as well as streets selling traditional folk art such Suzhou embroidery.

Attachments: A brief introduction to the second part of Tai Lake Avenue project.

　　Tai Lake Fouenue: The first phase of the avenue was completed in October 2004. The second part will extend 6 kilometers westward from the end of the first part to Hubin (Lakeside) New City Northwest Circular Route and join Gongshan Road. The speed limit on the main part is 50 kmph and 80 kmph on the high-speed section.