The State Council has approved the overall urban planning (2003-2020) for Wenzhou city in East China’s Zhejiang province.

Wenzhou is a major trade city with a long history and rich culture, located on China’s eastern coast.

Coordinated urban and rural development was urged in the designated area of 2,670 square kilometers.

According to the plan, the population of permanent residents in downtown Wenzhou will be capped at 3.5 million by 2020, and the city’s urban construction land limited to 300 square kilometers.

The local government is also required to improve low carbon, green urban infrastructure and establish a comprehensive transportation system. The document called for improving the public transportation-based traffic system, parking system, utility corridors and a comprehensive disaster prevention system.

The plan also suggests the government should control pollutants and speed up cutting overcapacity, while creating a resident-friendly city, such as strengthening the sewage and recycling system and improving the consumption efficiency of water resources.

Meanwhile, efforts to protect historic and natural reserves and cultural relic conservation units, such as Nanxi River scenic spot and Wen Tianxiang memorial temple, are also listed.

In addition, the local government is asked to conduct more coordinated arrangements for the construction of public service infrastructure closely related to public interests such as education, health care and municipal administration, and specifically asked to include affordable housing projects in the plan.