LINE

    Text:AAAPrint
    Economy

    Locals have high hopes for Xiongan New Area

    1
    2017-04-07 08:35Xinhua Editor: Gu Liping ECNS App Download
    Aerial photo taken on April 1, 2017 shows Anxin county, North China's Hebei province. (Photo/Xinhua)

    Aerial photo taken on April 1, 2017 shows Anxin county, North China's Hebei province. (Photo/Xinhua)

    First she was in disbelief. Then she was amazed. Then she realized everyone around her was talking about the same thing.

    Those were Zhang Suti's first hours after news broke that a new economic zone would be built in her hometown.

    "I was overjoyed to find out I am now a local from the national new area," said Zhang, the 50-year-old owner of a farmhouse resort.

    China announced Saturday it would establish the Xiongan New Area in Hebei Province, which neighbors Beijing, as a measure to advance the coordinated development of the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region.

    The Xiongan New Area is another new area of national significance after the Shenzhen Special Economic Zone and the Shanghai Pudong New Area, according to the announcement.

    Zhang's hometown of Baiyangdian, 160 km southwest of Beijing, is located in Anxin County, one of three counties under the planned Xiongan New Area.

    Dubbed the "Pearl of North China," Baiyangdian is one of the largest freshwater wetlands in north China, essential to conserving water for the North China Plain.

    "I don't know what the other new areas are like, as I have never been there," Zhang said. "I don't know what Xiongan will be like either, but I believe that the environment and life here will improve."

    Covering an area of 366 square kilometers, Baiyangdian has 143 small lakes. Various aquatic products, including fish, shrimp, crab, shellfish, lotus roots, gorgon fruit, and water chestnuts are harvested here.

    Reeds were once a major product and women could be found weaving mats at home for a living, though this scene is disappearing as reed mats are no longer popular.

    Now, while most villagers work elsewhere, Zhang has stayed behind to run a family inn, offering farmhouse accommodation and food for visitors.

    "I can earn about 80,000 yuan (about 12,000 U.S. dollars) to 90,000 yuan a year," said Zhang. She promotes her inn via social media, which lets her communicate with the outside world.

    In addition to the environment, the wetlands' revolutionary history also draws tourists. The domestic film "Little Soldier Zhang Ga" tells the story of a teen guerrilla from Baiyangdian who fights against the invasion of Japanese troops during World War II.

    A specific plan on developing the area has not been released yet, but the move will help phase out some non-capital functions from Beijing, explore a new model of optimized development in densely populated areas, and restructure the urban layout in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region, according to the circular.

    The Baiyangdian high-speed railway station opened in December 2015, which has allowed people and products to flow in.

    "Xiongan New Area is intended to receive part of Beijing's population. We have made up our mind to attract them with our unique culture and extraordinary environment," said Liu Wuqi, deputy manager at Baiyangdian Wenhuayuan Tourism Company.

      

    Related news

    MorePhoto

    Most popular in 24h

    MoreTop news

    MoreVideo

    News
    Politics
    Business
    Society
    Culture
    Military
    Sci-tech
    Entertainment
    Sports
    Odd
    Features
    Biz
    Economy
    Travel
    Travel News
    Travel Types
    Events
    Food
    Hotel
    Bar & Club
    Architecture
    Gallery
    Photo
    CNS Photo
    Video
    Video
    Learning Chinese
    Learn About China
    Social Chinese
    Business Chinese
    Buzz Words
    Bilingual
    Resources
    ECNS Wire
    Special Coverage
    Infographics
    Voices
    LINE
    Back to top Links | About Us | Jobs | Contact Us | Privacy Policy
    Copyright ©1999-2018 Chinanews.com. All rights reserved.
    Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited.
    主站蜘蛛池模板: 易门县| 北川| 武川县| 天门市| 卢湾区| 太白县| 望奎县| 芦山县| 乐亭县| 永定县| 普宁市| 来宾市| 徐闻县| 苍溪县| 什邡市| 南川市| 陆良县| 来宾市| 淳安县| 新晃| 图木舒克市| 太康县| 金山区| 武清区| 名山县| 中山市| 天气| 衡山县| 容城县| 庆云县| 辉南县| 临沂市| 尚义县| 三门县| 恩平市| 普兰县| 北票市| 芜湖县| 黄山市| 泗水县| 广汉市|