Spymaster's home a star attraction

A small and obscure mainland city with a population of 570,000 has come up with an innovative way of capturing the attention of Hong Kong investors.

Jiangshan in Zhejiang province is publicising the home of an infamous anti-communist spymaster as one of its attractions in investment brochures.

The mansion of Dai Li , a former Kuomintang spymaster infamous for his brutality against the communists, was presented yesterday as one of the city's main historical sites. Dai died in an air crash in 1946.

'Many people are interested in Dai Li's mansion. We have therefore refurbished it to boost tourism,' said Mao Jianguo , the deputy mayor. 'We have been motivated by market forces.'

But the mansion's political value was played down.

'Dai Li is just a historical figure. We avoid commenting on his history. We leave the public to make their own judgment,' said Xu Chaojin , the city's deputy party secretary. The spymaster built the mansion, known for its secret passages and chambers, for his parents, Mr Xu said.