Zaoyang becomes 'City of Han Culture' and 'City of Roses'Famously known as the hometown of Emperor Guangwu, the city of Zaoyang in Hubei province will gain another two titles this June – 'City of Han Culture' and 'City of Roses'.

Zaoyang has invested 2.2 billion yuan （$ 360 million） to build a Han-culture park based on its abundant historical resources. The park covers an area of 120 hectares and reproduces the prosperity of the palaces, streets, royal temples and city hall back during the Han Dynasty (206 BC-AD 220). The first-stage construction will be open to the public in June, and the second-stage construction is scheduled to be finished next year.

Meanwhile, Zaoyang has also invited an investment worth 5 billion yuan ($815.5 million) to develop a rose-culture garden. Currently, the second-stage construction is underway, and the whole project will be accomplished in 2015. By then, visitors will have a chance to see and enjoy more than 2,000 types of roses.

The gross output of the cultural industry in Zaoyang amounts to 31.8 billion yuan ($5.19 billion).

Edited by Michael Thai and Huang Pei