Tianjin signs Italian Style Town deal

Chinese novel collection, Liaozhai Zhiyi, Strange Stories From a Chinese Studio, with 99 short bizarre stories, was translated by Ludovico Nicola di Giura, an Italian doctor living in the area and was published by a Milan publisher in 1926.

The ties between Tianjin and Italy even strengthened recently, the history expert Wang says.

The Marco Polo Square and six villas which were named after six goddesses are landmarks in the area.

The center of the square has a fountain with a statue of a goddess representing peace.

In 2003, the Tianjin government renovated the area and rebuilt the fountain.

"In the near future, more renovation recalling the history will be undertaken," says Li Yunfei, founder of the Tianjin Design Week, who has his permanent office located in the area and also the chief architect of a design company which is engaged in the renovation of the area.