The construction of the first gold culture park in Asia began on Saturday in the city of Rushan, eastern Shandong Province.

　　It is the world's sole gold theme park which is built on the mine that is still being exploited. This will enable the tourists to see the working proced ures of gold when the park is completed.

　　With investment coming mainly from Shandong Gold Group Corp. and Shandong Jinzhou Mine Industry Corp., the park is expected to cost 200 million yuan (about 25 million U.S. dollars) and cover an area of 3.6 square kilometers.

　　It will include a demonstration site, where tourists can watch the exploitation work, a DIY gold exploiting district, a gold museum and some other related facilities.

　　Zhao Xidian, Party secretary of Rushan city, said the park will boost local tourism and prolong the life of the mineral mountain.

　　Rushan City, approximately 150 kilometers to the northeast of China's beer base Qingdao, is famous for its abundant gold mine reserves.