Highlights of the overall plan for Xiongan New Area

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Building Xiongan with distinctive features

The plan says that Xiongan's urban design should be characterized by traditional cultural elements, lake scenery and innovative features. High-rise buildings will not be on the list.

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.

Building a modern comprehensive transportation system

The rail and road networks for Xiongan, Beijing, Tianjin and nearby cities, as well as Beijing Daxing International Airport will be better connected. A diversified, convenient, green and smart public traffic system will also be built in the area.

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.

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.

Self-driving cars at the Xiongan public services center in Xiongan New Area, North China's Hebei province, Dec 7, 2018. [Photo/Xinhua]

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.

Ensuring safe city operations

Urban security, disaster prevention and a stable supply of clean energy are highlighted in the plan.

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.