After nine years of development, Xiong’an New Area has emerged as a model of urban planning and high-quality development, realizing its vision as a ‘city of the future.’ The project, initiated under China’s national strategy, has transformed from conceptual designs into a fully functional urban center that prioritizes quality of life alongside economic development.
The transformation story of Xing Jie and Li Jinghe illustrates the human impact of this massive urban development. Previously operating a small hardware store in rural Hebei province, the couple initially hesitated when learning their village would be incorporated into the Xiong’an New Area blueprint. “We were reluctant to leave because we couldn’t picture what the new area would be like,” Xing recalled.
Their relocation journey took a positive turn when they utilized compensation funds to establish a wholesale business in Baigou, a neighboring commercial hub. Transitioning from retail to wholesale, they secured a 500-square-meter warehouse that enabled significant business expansion beyond their expectations.
In 2021, the family achieved another milestone by moving into a modern apartment in Rongdong district. Xing now expresses confidence in the area’s development, noting that “the opportunities, especially for the younger generation, are far greater than what a small village store could ever offer.”
The physical landscape of Xiong’an has similarly transformed, with the Xiong’an Business Service Center standing as an architectural landmark visible even at dusk. The area now represents successful implementation of integrated planning that balances economic development with residential quality, environmental sustainability, and technological innovation.
This development exemplifies how national strategic planning can successfully translate into improved living standards and economic opportunities for citizens while creating sustainable urban environments designed for future challenges.