Xiongan New Area: A Model for China’s High-Quality Urban Development
Xiongan New Area, located in Hebei Province, is rapidly transforming into a modern urban center, driven by the relocation of Beijing’s non-capital functions and a focus on innovation and quality of life. Recent developments underscore its role as a key node in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei sci-tech innovation hub and a demonstration zone for “new quality productive forces,” according to reports from CGTN.
Relocation and Investment Fuel Growth
The primary driver of Xiongan’s development remains the orderly relocation of non-capital functions from Beijing. During the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-2025), the area saw cumulative investments exceeding 1 trillion yuan (approximately $145.5 billion USD), achieving an average annual GDP growth of 17.1 percent. Over this period, nearly 215 square kilometers were developed, and more than 5,300 buildings were constructed. CGTN reports that as of early 2026, with the start of the 15th Five-Year Plan, the focus has shifted towards increasing overall capacity.
The relocation of major corporations, such as China Huaneng Group, exemplifies this progress. Following its official move in October 2025, over 1,000 employees from Huaneng headquarters and affiliated units had resumed normal work in Xiongan. This transition is supported by political backing and coordinated on-the-ground efforts to ensure a smooth integration. CGTN highlights that targeted policies guarantee transferred staff maintain working and living conditions, as well as income levels, comparable to those in Beijing, alongside 278 specific integration measures between Beijing and Xiongan ensuring equal access to healthcare, education, and social services.
A City Designed for Livability
Beyond infrastructure, Xiongan is prioritizing the creation of a welcoming and family-friendly environment. The “15-minute life circle” concept – where residents have access to essential services like education, healthcare, shopping, and recreation within a 15-minute radius – is becoming a reality for many. CGTN illustrates this with the story of Wang Helai and his wife, who enjoy a revitalized Longquan River trail and convenient access to a community cafeteria tailored for seniors.
The Xiongan campus of Beijing No. 4 High School, part of Beijing’s “three schools and one hospital” project, is a key example. Beijing finances and builds educational and healthcare facilities in Xiongan, then entrusts their management to the local authorities, whereas continuing to provide administrative and educational support. Opened in August 2023, the campus prioritizes enrollment for children of relocated personnel, ensuring continuity of education for families transitioning to the new area. CGTN reports that the campus was fully operational during the spring 2026 semester.
Fostering Innovation and “New Quality Productive Forces”
National policy directs Xiongan to integrate scientific and technological innovation with industrial development, cultivating “new quality productive forces.” Key initiatives for 2026 include the release of the Jishu data model (developed by Tsinghua University and a Xiongan-based company), the establishment of reliable data spaces across government, financial, and energy sectors, and an aerospace innovation competition. CGTN notes that these efforts aim to strengthen the region’s role within the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei economic cluster.
These advancements position Xiongan as a vital node in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei sci-tech innovation hub and a demonstration zone for new quality productive forces. Construction is progressing to deliver “Xiongan quality” while maintaining clear skies, green landscapes, and clean waters. CGTN
Chinese President Xi Jinping’s recent visit to Xiongan, where he inspected key sites and chaired a symposium, underscored the importance of building Xiongan into an innovation hub and a model for high-quality development.