City of the Future Explored Through Four Key Data Sets

The Xiong'an New Area in Hebei Province is emerging as a 'city of the future' through substantial investments in infrastructure, public services, and sustainability. On March 23, General Secretary of the Communist Party of China, Xi Jinping, visited the area to evaluate the construction progress, acknowledging the remarkable advancements achieved in this ambitious project.

The establishment of Xiong'an New Area was a strategic decision by the CPC Central Committee, spearheaded by Xi Jinping, aimed at fostering coordinated development across the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region. Since its formal announcement in April 2017, Xiong'an has been the focal point for innovative urban development, with significant progress evident over the past nine years.

An indicative example of this progress is Jing Hao, who now enjoys a mere 15-minute commute to his job at the China Huaneng Group’s Operation Monitoring and Emergency Command Center. Jing highlighted how such a brief commute is a rarity in Beijing and signified the benefits of relocating to Xiong'an as part of efforts to alleviate non-capital functions in the metropolis.

Since moving to Xiong'an in August 2025, Jing, who graduated from North China Electric Power University, has embraced his role in monitoring adverse weather conditions. His family is also planning to establish roots in their new home, looking to purchase an apartment near a local kindergarten—a priority as they look forward to their child’s education.

As development continues, the Xiong'an New Area has seen impressive milestones, including a total developed area of 215 square kilometers and an investment exceeding 1 trillion yuan. Significant institutional footprints are emerging, with central state-owned enterprises like China Satellite Network Group and Sinochem establishing their headquarters in the area.

In the field of technology, INSIGHTONE, a specialized technical services company, has relocated to Xiong'an to leverage opportunities at the Artificial Intelligence Industrial Park. Collaborating with more than 60 businesses within the park, the company is steadily moving towards delivering innovative solutions in data security.

The Xiong'an Institute of Space-Time Information and the Xiong'an Institute of Artificial Intelligence are underway, contributing to the area’s designation as a national high-tech zone. The Science and Technology Innovation Center and other facilities are operational, nurturing a vibrant ecosystem for innovative enterprises.

Ecological initiatives have also been a major focus, with Qiao Yajun from the Xiong'an Ecology and Environment Bureau observing improvements in water quality at Baiyangdian Lake—an essential ecological resource for the region. The implementation of intelligent monitoring systems has allowed for a more effective response to water quality challenges, reinforcing the area’s commitment to sustainability.

With the completion of the 'Millennium Forest' project, Xiong'an has notably increased its forest coverage. From only 11 percent, the coverage has now risen to 35.1 percent, showcasing the persistent efforts to enhance green spaces and improve the quality of life for residents.

Residents like Yuan Yuxin have expressed satisfaction with their urban lifestyle, highlighting improved access to amenities, green spaces, and healthcare services. With a total of 105 educational institutions and numerous community centers established, the framework for a 'city for the people' is being solidified, demonstrating Xiong'an's commitment to creating a livable and vibrant urban environment.