Construction is expected to begin this fall on high-rise buildings, each with distinct functions, that will constitute Sci-Tech Innovation Small Town in northwest Xiangzhou District.

The future 9.8-sq-km (3.8-sq-mile) technology hub is situated on the previous sites of Lixi, Fuxi, and Nanxi villages nearby the Meixi Royal Stone Archways in Qianshan.

The town will encompass information technology, smart manufacturing, and comprehensive innovation valleys. Included are four featured, three sponge, and four community parks. Two zones will be reserved for development of new-energy industries and life and health studies.

Facilities will serve innovative businesses in the fields of new materials, artificial intelligence, intelligent hardware and manufacturing, the Internet of Things, big data, energy conservation, environmental protection, and military-civilian integration technologies.

Sci-tech town surrounded by lush greenery

The developer may partner with famous colleges and research institutes such as Tsinghua and Zhejiang universities and the Chinese Academy of Sciences. The project should also attract academician workstations and national innovation platforms.

Situated strategically near where Zhuhai meets Tanzhou Town of Zhongshan, the sci-tech town will have smooth connections between Western Guangdong, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and other major cities. It will be accessed by the Guangzhou-Zhuhai West Line Expressway, Guangdong West Coast Expressway, Mingzhu Road, Jinqin Express Road, and Guyuan Avenue, the latter still on the drawing board.

Rendering of Initiating Zone

It is to become a Xiangzhou Industrial Transformation & Upgrade Demonstration Zone; independent innovation sci-tech industrial park under the auspices of Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao; and demonstration site for small towns with Guangdong characteristics.

A site-clearing notice for the 44.3-hecatre (110-acre) Initiating Zone, part of the 3.18-sq-km (786-acre) core zone, was published on July 16. It earmarks 16.3 hectares (40 acres) for new industries. The construction area will total 95 hectares (235 acres), according to the office in charge of the program.

Living and recreation area [Photos courtesy Zhuhai Daily]