Xiongan gets seriously ambitious on tech, health and environment

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The Xiongan New Area in north China's Hebei Province is set to be one of the most ambitious experiments the country has ever taken.

The idea can be obviously seen on the latest development plan released on Thursday by both the government and the Party.

Tech: VIP seat for innovators

The new plan gives Xiongan VIP priority when it comes to tech innovation. "Support Xiongan to pivot into technology fronts", read the plan.

Many Chinese companies are testing autonomous vehicles in the area. This is a privilege no other place can get in China.

Baidu's driverless vehicle testing in Xiongan New Area, north China. /VCG Photo

As the plan said, more privileges will come in a short time.

A new Silicon Valley-like technology hub has been put into place, attracting startups as well as established companies to set their offices. The local government has promised to give more space for cutting-edge technology trials and applications.

More international organizations are welcomed to make contributions, and for those following a green development path, the government is willing to offer more financial support.

The plan also mentioned a special fund for a patent application, an attempt to encourage innovations and protect intellectual property rights.

Unmanned supermarket in Xiongan New Area, north China. /VCG Photo

Health: Spring for wholly foreign-owned medical institutions

Sound medical services have long been the top priority for the nation.

Over the past years, the Chinese government has loosened restrictions on the proportion of foreign capital shares. In 2014, foreign investors were already allowed to set up their wholly-owned companies in seven megacities in China including Beijing and Shanghai, according to the National Health Commission.

Xiongan New Area will be China's next major player after Shanghai's pilot free trade zone to open its market to foreign investors.

Policies favored non-public hospitals are ready to tap more market potentials in the medical sector, encouraging residents to receive high-end, advanced treatments.

According to public data, over 600,000 people in China have overseas treatment experiences, which signals the demands for high-end medical services.

Environment: A zero-waste city

Recycled garbage bins in local communities in the Xiong New Area, north China. /Photo from the official website of the city.

Waste disposal has been highlighted for eight times in the "City Planning Outline", which shows Chinese authorities's ambition to create an environmental-friendly city.

Since founded in April 2017, the city has implemented a set of schemes covering from waste sorting to waste disposal and recycling, aiming to build a waste-free city.

The local government has granted over 7.72 million yuan (1,14 million U.S. dollars) to support refuse disposal plans.

One of the obstacles for building up a zero-waste city is the lack of awareness to do garbage sorting. But now local communities are equipped with the recycled garbage bins, urging residents to do the job out of their own responsibilities.