The State Council has approved the overall city plan (2014-2020) for Urumqi, capital of Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, Northwest China.

Coordinated urban and rural development was urged in the designated area of 13,783 square kilometers, with strengthened efforts for the unified planning and management of industrial zones within the area, to promote the integrated development of Urumqi and Changji Hui autonomous prefecture.

The State Council also urged the importance of focusing on towns and villages with good infrastructural conditions and great potential, and improve the urban infrastructures and public service facilities to benefit these peripheral villages.

According to the plan, the Urumqi government will control the population of permanent downtown residents within 4.1 million and limit urban construction land within 513 square kilometers. No new districts or development zones of any kind will be allowed beyond the approved area.

Newly added construction land should be strictly controlled, and underground space should be explored and utilized. Efforts should also be made to improve land usage rate and protect basic farmland.

Inter-city transportation around and within Urumqi should be further improved in accordance with green and low-carbon principles in mind.

Other city infrastructure, such as water supply and drain and waste disposal systems, should be developed with a coordinated plan. Disaster prevention and reduction work should also be reinforced, the circular said.

The document also urged building a resource-saving and environment-friendly city, with efforts to promote clean energy and a circular economy.

While strictly controlling the development of heavy-polluted and excessive industries, improvements should be made to sewage treatment and harmless garbage treatment.

The State Council called for the development of public services concerning education, medical care and municipal administration and accelerating the renovation of shantytowns and dilapidated buildings to build a resident-friendly city.

Efforts should also be made to protect historic culture and natural reserves, conduct ecological rehabilitation and improve the environment, the document added.