'New areas' established in China over the years

A man takes picture of a fountain in Harbin, Northeast Heilongjiang province, on May 19, 2016. [Photo/VCG]

16. Harbin New Area

The State Council decided to establish Harbin New Area in Northeast Heilongjiang province in December 2015, as an effort to implement the Belt and Road Initiative and revitalize the old industrial base in Northeast China.

The new district, which covers 493 square km, has a solid foundation of technology and industry and serves as an engine to carry out comprehensive China-Russia cooperation, boost economic development in Northeast China and build special international culture and tourism cluster.

Harbin is the capital city of Heilongjiang province which used to be the country’s industrial base.