高考英语专题阅读：Hangzhou cityThe Hangzhou city government has put it on top of its agenda (议程) in recent years to create a better living environment in the city. Through rebuilding its streets and houses and protecting its cultural heritage ( 遗产), Hangzhou is now attracting more and more people to come here to start businesses, make investment,(投资) receive education and even settle down.(定居) In history, Hangzhou has long enjoyed the fame of a city of culture and as the hometown of silk, tea, fish and rice. In recent years, the city has been crowned with many more honorable titles, such as State Environmental Protection Model City, the City with Most Favourable Investment Environment, the City with Highest Level of Happiness Index, the United Nations Habitat Award, and the International Garden City. The residents’ living conditions have also improved significantly compared with years ago, with housing area per person at 27.51 square meters today. Besides constructing high-quality commercial buildings, the city laid much emphasis on establishing a housing system meeting the needs of medium and low-income families. Last year, a total of 6,129 sets of economical houses, with a total construction area of 510,000 square meters, were sold to these residents. The city government is also planning to invest 166 million yuan (US$20.7 million) in rebuilding dangerous and old buildings. It is estimated that more than 2,000 families will benefit from this. With respect to residential surroundings, high-tech, green and environmentally friendly housing is the major concept advocated. To meet the criterion of “harmonious residential environment,” the government is pushing forward standardized property management. Now, 85 per cent of residential areas are administered by property management companies. More than 85 per cent of these property management companies have met the required standard.
