GENERAL INVITATION

You are cordially invited to come to Beijing, China for the XXIXth Congress of the International Association of Hydraulic Engineering and Research on September 16-21, 2001.

The XXIXth Congress of IAHR will take place in Beijing, China, where so many industrial, agricultural as well as environmental projects are under construction including hundreds of public works for water resources development, hydropower generation, flood control, environment protection, river harnessing, waterway navigation, coastal and maritime engineering, etc. This is a great challenge to hydraulic engineers and researchers not only in China but throughout the world. As a worker in the hydraulic field, if you come to China, you will definitely not be disappointed by the opportunity to present results, to exchange ideas, to meet friends, to visit ongoing water projects, to see cultural and historical spots and to observe the vivid and busy life of Chinese people.

The hosting organization is the Chinese Hydraulic Engineering Society (CHES). It was established in 1931, as a volunteer technical organization formed by engineers and scientists working in the field of water resources. It has 31 branch societies located in provinces and 38 technical sub-committees. It has more than 80,000 members at home and a number of overseas corresponding members, who are actively working in the field of water resources.

This congress will be assisted by the China Institute of Water Resources and Hydropower Research (IWHR) and Tsinghua University (TU). IWHR is a national institute in the water sector, founded in 1956, with a strong emphasis on hydraulic engineering. Tsinghua University, founded in 1911, is one of the first class universities in China and a multi-disciplinary educational organization of science and technology, economics and art.

All involved with water engineering problems are welcome to the 29^th IAHR Conference, including engineers, researchers, scientists, educators, managers and decision-makers, especially those who have interests in making a full use of latest results in the hydraulic research field to solve the very real problems facing us in the new century.

Researchers and scientists will benefit from an extensive exchange of innovative methods and solutions, designers and managers will benefit by hearing wide discussion on their experience and hearing the latest achievements and the newest technology; environment specialists will benefit from presentations of new approaches for sustainable development in water resources. All delegates will have opportunities to express their views to a wider audience and to meet specialists in other fields.

VENUE

Beijing

Beijing, the capital of China, situated in the northern part of the country, with a population of 12 million, is the country's political, scientific, cultural and educational center. With a history of more than 3,000 years, Beijing is one of China's most ancient cities and oldest capitals. Many world-renowned historical sites can be found in and around the city, including the Great Wall, the Forbidden City and Temple of Heaven etc. With over 100 universities and institutes and many research institutions, the city has a rich atmosphere of learning.

Vast modern infrastructure and facilities have been built and are being built in Beijing, and prices here are stable and daily life is convenient. It has a variety of restaurants offering the cuisine of the nation’s many ethnic groups, as well as international cuisine. In terms of hotels and other infrastructure, the 20th World Congress of the International Union of Architects, July 1999, with 6000 delegates, and the 20th Congress of ICOLD, September 2000, with 2000 delegates, showed that Beijing has human and material resources necessary for efficiently holding such large-scale international events.

Beijing, surrounded by the Yanshan mountains and plain is blessed with a moderate autumn climate, with abundant sunshine and an average September daily low temperature of 15? (59?) at night and 30? (86?) during the day time.

Beijing International Convention Center (BICC)

The Congress will be held at the Beijing International Convention Center (BICC). BICC is located on the north side of the Beijing City, 10 km away from the Tian An Men Square. The Capital International Airport is 20 km to the northeast. The Convention Center is one of the most technologically advanced conference and exhibition centers in China, surrounded by hotels, restaurants, recreation centers, tourist agencies, shopping centers, and other services.

The Convention Center has 16 conference halls and 60 meeting rooms and 5 multi-functional halls of different sizes to meet various needs. The capacities of the two biggest halls are 2500 and 900 seats, respectively.