The State Council on July 20 approved a 10-year plan for urban construction in Lanzhou, capital city of Northwest China’s Gansu province, and situated on a strategic point along the Silk Road economic belt.

According to the plan, which outlined the major tasks for Lanzhou’s urban planning before 2020, efforts will be made to build the city into a key platform for China’s westward opening-up and develop it into a modern and green city with a thriving economy.

To ensure the goals, the authorities will pay particular attention to unified development of both urban and rural areas within a planning area of 5,810 square kilometers, by improving living conditions of villagers and promoting equal access to public services in urban and rural areas.

By 2020 the permanent residential population in the central urban area will not exceed 2.75 million while urban construction will take place within an area of 250 square kilometers, ensuring the city is not burdened by unplanned population growth.

Construction within the Lanzhou New Area, set up with the State Council’s approval in 2012, will ensure that Lanzhou plays a bigger role in promoting the development of Gansu province and neighboring areas, pushing forward the development of western regions, as well as facilitating China’s westward opening up.

Efforts are also demanded to accelerate the infrastructure of external transportation systems, including highways, railways and airports, to boost city links with other areas.

Moreover, the authorities will build the city into a resource-saving and environmentally friendly city and create a healthy environment for people living there. Meanwhile, the historical and cultural relics in Lanzhou will be fully protected.

The overall plan will serve as a guideline for Lanzhou’s urban development, construction and management, and all construction activities within the planning area must meet the plan’s requirements.