Zhang: Rules key to build Xiongan

XIONGAN, Hebei - Vice-Premier Zhang Gaoli stressed the need for tight control of land, property development and neighboring areas as well as protecting historical and cultural heritage and the environment as the Xiongan New Area is developed.

The government should plan ahead before taking action, especially when planning construction of the Xiongan New Area, Zhang said after an inspection trip to the area on Saturday.

Zhang inspected the region's transportation network and visited some residential property sales centers, historical heritage sites and the Baiyangdian wetland.He later chaired a meeting on the planning and construction of the new area.

On April 1, China announced a plan to create the Xiongan New Area, which spans the counties of Xiongxian, Rongcheng and Anxin in Hebei province and aims to help move some non-capital functions from Beijing.

Zhang called for "world vision, international standards, Chinese characteristics and high goals" in the planning and construction of the new area.

He said high and unified standards should be used in the area's general plan, the regulatory plan for the initial area, as well as specific plans such as Baiyangdian ecological environment protection.

Planning began about a year ago. Now the China Academy of Urban Planning and Design and five other institutions are working to improve Xiongan's general plan and the regulatory plan for the area

Green development will be prioritized when choosing industries to move into the new area, Zhang said.

Xinhua