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An aerial photo shows a tourist pier in Baiyangdian Lake in Xiongan New Area, North China's Hebei Province, March 30, 2018. (Photo/Xinhua)
China's central authorities recently approved the overall plan (2018-2035) for Xiongan New Area, stressing that the region will be built to international standards with Chinese characteristics.
Xiongan, which is planned to undertake the noncapital functions of Beijing, should protect the ecological environment, stick to green development, and highlight people's livelihoods, according to the State Council, China's cabinet. Here are some highlights from the plan.
An aerial view of Xiongan New Area. (Photo/Xinhua)
A place of strategic importance
As a place of strategic importance, Xiongan should be built as a key region of Hebei province near Beijing, in accordance with high-quality development requirements, to push the coordinated development of Beijing, Tianjin and Hebei, while also taking advantage of the opportunities provided by the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics and Paralympics.
People pass a flowerbed on a street in Rongcheng county, Xiongan New Area, Hebei Province, on March 29, 2018. (Photo/Xinhua)
Taking on Beijing's noncapital functions
Xiongan will take on the noncapital functions of Beijing, improve its infrastructure, and optimize its business environment with better public services. It will embrace universities, research institutes, medical institutions, corporate headquarters, as well as financial and public institutions from Beijing.
Cormorants at Baiyangdian Lake in Xiongan New Area, North China's Hebei Province, Dec. 7, 2018. (Photo/Xinhua)
Striking a balance between development and protection for national land space
The plan calls for the protection of the ecological environment and permanent farmland. It further outlines the scale and boundaries of cities and counties. Green land and clean water will account for 70 percent of the area, and land use and development intensity will be capped at 30 percent.
A boat is moored on Baiyangdian Lake in Xiongan New Area, North China's Hebei Province, Dec. 7, 2018. (Photo/Xinhua)
Creating a beautiful natural ecosystem
The government will carry out ecological restoration work for Baiyangdian Lake, increasing the forest coverage rate and improving the air quality. A national park around Baiyangdian wetland is also planned.
An aerial photo taken on Dec 7, 2018 shows the Xiongan public services center in Xiongan New Area, North China's Hebei Province. (Photo/Xinhua)
Integrating urban and rural development
Urban and rural development will be integrated, and new urbanization is stressed in the plan. Zoning and industries will be properly guided, and distinctive towns and beautiful villages will be built.
Two villagers rest in front of a tile billboard in Baita village, Rongcheng county, Xiongan New Area, on March 29, 2018. (Photo by Wang Jing/China Daily)
Creating a livable and business-friendly city
To make Xiongan an ideal area for living and working, the new area will provide quality public facilities and services for its dwellers, as well as build a shared, multilayered and comprehensive basic public service network.
The plan also emphasizes a housing system with a balance between renting and owning, and prohibits large-scale development of commercial real estate.
Tourists visit Baiyangdian Lake in Xiongan New Area, North China's Hebei Province, Oct. 1, 2018. (Photo/Xinhua)
Developing a green, low-carbon city
Xiongan will promote green and low-carbon living, production and city operation modes. It will also build an intensive and efficient water supply system, optimize energy provisions, and develop well-arranged underground facilities.
Self-driving cars at the Xiongan public services center in Xiongan New Area, North China's Hebei Province, Dec. 7, 2018. (Photo/Xinhua)
Building a world-class innovative city
To become a leading innovative city in the world, high-end industries and innovative enterprises will be introduced and the cultivation mechanisms for talent will be improved.
Facial recognition technology is used at the construction sites in Xiongan New Area to check in workers. (Photo by Zhu Xingxin/China Daily)
Creating a digital smart city
Xiongan will lead the way in smart infrastructure, including an integrated, safe, and ubiquitous broadband communication network and multisource sensing system.
China State Decoration Group employees work in the Xiongan Citizen Service Center on March 29, 2018. The prefabricated building took about four months to build. (Photo by Wang Jing/China Daily)
Ensuring safe city operations
Urban security, disaster prevention and a stable supply of clean energy are highlighted in the plan.
Residents do morning exercises by Baiyangdian Lake in Anxin county, Xiongan New Area, North China's Hebei Province, Dec. 7, 2018. (Photo/Xinhua)
Ensuring orderly and effective implementation of the plan
The overall plan is the basis for Xiongan's development, construction and management, which should be strictly implemented rather than arbitrarily modified or violated.
