China to Set Up Xiongan New Area in Hebei

(Yicai Global) April 2 — As part of measures to advance the coordinated development of the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region, China announced it would establish the Xiongan New Area in Hebei Province.

This is another new area of national significance after the Shenzhen Special Economic Zone and the Shanghai Pudong New Area, Xinhua reported, citing a circular issued by the Communist Party of China CPC Central Committee and the State Council.

The new area, about 100 kilometers southwest of downtown Beijing, will span three counties that sit at the center of the triangular area formed by Beijing, Tianjin, and Hebei’s provincial capital Shijiazhuang.

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, per the circular.

The new area will cover around 100 square kilometers initially and will be expanded to 200 square kilometers in the mid-term and about 2,000 square kilometers in the long term.

The Xiongan New Area encompasses the counties of Xiongxian, Rongcheng and Anxin, and is home to Baiyangdian, one of the largest freshwater wetlands in north China.

The area features geological advantages, convenient transportation, an excellent environment, ample resources and lots of room for development.

The removal of non-capital functions from Beijing is part of a greater strategy to integrate the development of Beijing, Tianjin and Hebei for a better economic structure, cleaner environment and improved public services.

The decision to set up Xiongan New Area is a key part of solving urban woes and creating new growth. Xiongan and Tongzhou will form two new ‘wings’ for Beijing and create new development of the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region, People’s Daily’s website reported.

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