China implodes landmark buildings

ROUGH CUT - NO REPORTER NARRATION

STORY: The landmark Three Gorges Hotel and Chongqing port's passenger terminal were demolished on Thursday (August 31) to make way for new building projects, state television CCTV reported.

The 32-story terminal and the hotel, both of which faced the city's Chaotianmen Square, were pulled down in controlled explosions lasting two seconds, CCTV said.

Awe-struck residents of the southern Chinese city watched as the buildings were blasted down in succession, first the hotel, then the terminal.

The 108-metre building was the tallest and of the largest volume to be demolished in China, state media said.

A new skyscraper, which will serve as a trade centre, a transport hub and a tourist base, will be built in place of the buildings.