On March 1, the Zhejiang Urban Development Plan for (2011-2020) was released.

“The purpose of these plans is to enhance the quality of urbanization, promote the construction of key central towns, increase urban and rural facilities, provide social services for all citizens in an equitable manner, and coordinate rural and urban development,” stated Tan Yueming, Director of the Department of Housing and Urban-Rural Development for Zhejiang province.

"As a major city in the southern Yangtze River Delta, Hangzhou offers one of the best business bases in the region," said Li Xiaojiang of the Urban Planning & Design Institute of China.

According to the plan, Hangzhou should give full play to its well-developed transport infrastructure advantages, which include an airport, rail and road links. The city should also make greater efforts to integrate the urban and rural transport system, to further enhance its organizational capacity as a transport hub in the Yangtze River Delta, and strengthen cooperation with neighboring cities in tourism, transport and ecological protection.

During the 12th Five-Year Plan period, Zhejiang will build a regional high-speed transport network connecting the Yangtze River Delta urban areas. Plans include making all major cities within Yangtze River Delta urban area within one hour’s train journey from the provincial capital, with centers throughout the rest of the province being accessible by rail within three hours.

By Xie Fang & Wang Guangming