Ancient city in new era

Tourists pass by a music fountain in Patuxay garden in Laos' capital of Vientiane. Vientiane is a city with long history. It has been the political, economic and cultural center of Laos since the middle of the 16th century. The name of the city means "the city of sanders." Vientiane is located at the left bank of the Mekong River, opposite Thailand. Vientiane is famous for Pha That Luang, which was built from 1560. Composed of a group of stupas, Pha That Luang has a high reputation in architectal art. Another famous structure is Patuxay, located in downtown Vientiane. It is a large monument.[Photo/Xinhua]