Starting from Scratch: Xiong'an presents opportunities for innovative urban planning

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It's been nearly a year since the announcement of the Xiong'an New Area - a new city being built from scratch south of Beijing in Hebei Province. What will it be like and how will this unprecedented plan change people's lives? To find out, our reporter Ning Hong went there.

A city comes alive because of its new residents. Che Chengguo moved to Xiong'an New Area after the big announcement in April of last year. He is hoping to start a business here, and eventually settle down. He opened his store, and is full of confidence for the future of Xiong'an.

CHE CHENGGUO XIONG'AN RESIDENT "I told my family, this is my home now. I've missed Shenzhen, and Pudong, but not Xiong'an, because I believe the central government and President Xi will make Xiong'an a great place."

That's also the work of city planners, who are very busy these days, solving the many riddles of putting together a new metropolis.

YIN HUILIANG, DIRECTOR PLANNING RESEARCH CENTER, CHINA ACADEMY OF URBAN PLANNING & DESIGN "The Xiong'an New Area will not allow massive property development, and will also harbor non-core functions of Beijing. Most importantly, however, is that the Xiong'an New area will create a positive environment for innovation and entrepreneurship."

The non-core functions of the capital will include wholesale markets, education, research institutes, logistics and healthcare. So far the first group of 48 companies has gained access to the new city.

This year is the 40th anniversary of China's reform and opening-up. Following places like the city of Shenzhen and Shanghai's Pudong area, Xiong'an is expected to provide a new example of city development.

CHEN GANG, DIRECTOR MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE OF XIONG'AN NEW AREA "It will follow a very high standard, called 'Xiong'an quality'."

The first step has already been taken: In Xiong'an's start-up area, the first building complex -- a citizen service center -- is rising from the ground.

YANG ZHONG, GENERAL MANAGER ASSISTANT CHINA XIONG'AN CONSTRUCTION & INVESTMENT CO. "Environmental protection, low carbon footprint, energy-efficiency, and smart construction techniques will be mainstays of construction in Xiong'an."

Models produced in factories are assembled here, setting standards and building experience for the future city.

NING HONG XIONG'AN NEW AREA "Xiong'an will become a reflection of innovation, coordination, green, openness, and sharing -- five major concepts of development in China. Ning Hong, CGTN, Xiongan New Area."