The State Council has approved the overall urban planning (2002-2020) for Shantou city in South China’s Guangdong province.

Located in the central eastern part of Guangdong province, Shantou is one of China’s special economic zones, and an important hub of the ancient maritime silk road. By implementing the development concept of innovation, coordination, green development, openness and sharing, the plan is aimed at building Shantou into a prosperous and livable modern city with a well-maintained ecological system and distinct features.

Coordinated urban and rural development was urged in the designated area of 2,245 square kilometers, with extra attention paid to develop counties and major towns with potential, and optimize the overall layout of villages and towns.

And further efforts will be made to strengthen the city’s coordination with neighboring cities such as Chaozhou and Jieyang, to bring into full play the city cluster’s leading role in building a resource-saving and eco-friendly society.

According to the plan, by 2020, the population of permanent residents in downtown Shantou will be capped to 2.22 million, and the city’s urban construction land limited to 205 square kilometers. No new districts or development zones will be allowed beyond the approved areas.

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

The State Council also urged the Shantou government to improve urban infrastructure, establishing a comprehensive transportation system and promoting the construction of urban parking lots.

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

The local government is urged to strictly control the emission of pollutants, implement the strictest water resources management system, promote the construction of a “sponge city”, and enhance the protection of scenic spots and special ecological function areas.

Efforts should also be made to protect historic culture and natural reserves, and emphasize the ancient city features of Shantou in the development process.