Xiangzhou District, Zhuhai

On Jan 5 in Xiangzhou District further discussion was made on plans to integrate the Hengqin New Area, Zhuhai Free Trade Zone, and Hongwan area into a new city center, with specific arrangements laid out for smoother operations. The plan was originally conceived during the 8th Zhuhai Municipal Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC) in December 2016.

The reform planning draft was delivered at the symposium to draw suggestions from the attending party and government officials.

Xiangzhou pledged to be active in the implementation and execution of solutions and be part of the communication channel which will be cleared for collaboration and work transition between parties involved.

A symposium is held in Xiangzhou District on Jan 5 to discuss the plan of integrating Hengqin New Area, Zhuhai Free Trade Zone, and Hongwan area into a new city center. [Photo courtesy zhxz.gov.cn]

Covering 164.97 sq km in total, the integrated zone will encompass the 139-sq-km Hengqin New Area and a 25.97-sq-km extended area north of the Maliuzhou Waterway.

The Hongwan area in the southwest of Xiangzhou will hold tight to Hengqin New Area to its north so their respective advantages can be utilized. Particularly, Hongwan's abundant port resources and cargo transportation functions will further add to the development of the national-level new area. The Zhuhai Bonded Zone which is abutting the Hongwan area in Wanzai will also be joining in to take advantage of the other two's distinct functions.

A rendering of the integrated zone [Photo courtesy southcn.com]

Report shows that it will take five to 10 years to forge the new city center. When complete, a fully functional zone will emerge boasting not only business-friendly environment with the access to favorable free trade policies, but also transportation hub advantages. Once the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge comes into service, the zone will make the most of its predominant geographical location by spearheading in-depth cooperation amongst the cities of Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao.

One of the main purposes is to optimize the urban development process as well as enhance Xiangzhou's urban functions by elevating the district to a more core role, according to the report.

To reach the development goal, several major projects valued more than 110 billion yuan ($16.9 billion) were laid down on Dec 26, 2017. Among them were the Second Theme Park of Chimelong International Ocean Resort, Phase II of the Hengqin Laisun Creative Culture City, and South China headquarters of the Herun Group.

Hongwan area [Photo by Li Jianshu / Zhuhai Daily]

The Zhuhai Da Heng Qin City New Center Development Co Ltd has also been established to oversee infrastructure construction, investment promotion, project management, industrial development, and urban renovation in the integrated zone.