The State Council approved the overall urban plan (2002-2020) for Zhenjiang city in East China’s Jiangsu province.

Zhenjiang, on the Yangtze River delta, is a famous historic and tourist port city.

Coordinated urban and rural development was urged in the designated area of 1,088 square kilometers, with the population of permanent residents in downtown Zhenjiang capped at 1.33 million by 2020, and the city’s urban construction land limited to 146.5 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 also should be made to improve the land usage rate and protect basic farmlands.

The local government is 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 and parking system, and setting up a comprehensive disaster prevention system.

The plan also suggests the government 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.

Efforts also should be strengthened to protect special ecological function areas, such as natural reserves, scenic spots, wetlands and water sources.

The local government is also asked to conduct more coordinated arrangements for the construction of public service infrastructure closely related to public interests, such as education, healthcare and municipal administration, with a special focus on affordable housing projects.

In addition, the city is asked to protect historic sites and cultural heritage.