Children everywhere were right! Keep digging and you'll reach Chinese houses.The new residential building for the Chinese Embassy broke ground on Monday, prompting a visit from the No. 2 man in China's foreign ministry, Song Tao (left, joined by Esocoff & Associatesarchitect Phil Esocoff, State Dept'sClifford Seagroves, and DTZ'sChris Reutershan, who's acting as developmentadviserto the embassy).Chris tells us the embassy has selected Shanghai Construction Group as general contractor, with Clark also involved as the major subcontractor to offerlocal expertise. It's the largest project for the Kalorama neighborhood in over 50 years, Chris says.

The new property on Conn Ave (we snapped the exterior in January) will include 130 residential units, an indoor pool, game rooms, and extensive landscaping, Chris says. New Chinese Ambassador Cui Tiankai, who's only been on the post for two weeks, was also on hand to lead the ceremony.