Tongzhou Development Plan: Beijing to have a 'beautiful, model' sub-center

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China's massive capital city may be moving -- at least partly. A new plan calls for a new urban center in Beijing's Tonghzou district. An exhibition, which launched Tuesday, showcases what experts are calling a "beautiful, model" district, that will take pressure off Beijing. CGTN's Sun Ye reports.

It's been called the "eastern gateway to the nation's capital". Tongzhou, the up-and-coming southeastern district of Beijing will soon be home to a new sub-center. Municipal government offices, high-end international business districts, cultural and touristy attractions and innovation centers and platforms will all be there.

SUN YE BEIJING "The plan predicts that as industries and functional areas shift eastward, up to 500 thousand will depart for Tongzhou, the sub center. This will help decongest the massive capital."

The area lies roughly a 40 minute drive away from the Beijing city center. The plan says the sub-center will attract new-comers through its vibrant industries, as well as designs attentive to all human needs.

DU LIQUN VICE DIRECTOR, BEIJING MUNICIPAL URBAN PLANNING & DESIGN INST. "People will be able to find all kinds of facilities from playgrounds to nursing care stations within a 5 minute walk. It also plans for one-stop-service-centers for all neighborhoods, which will also be within walking distance."

The sub-center plan also promises to be largely green.

DU LIQUN, VICE DIRECTOR BEIJING MUNICIPAL URBAN PLANNING & DESIGN INST. "From its industrial line-up to its environmentally-friendly design, such co-ordinated arrangements will ensure the area develops well and lasts long."

Local residents say they would consider moving.

"So long as transportation, facilities and the environment are really good, I would go there."

"The younger generation, like me, can't live without shopping centers. If I move it's not just for work."

Designers say their plans will continually be fine-tuned based on feedback. The exhibition runs through July 20th.

SY,CGTN,BJ.