The State Council has approved the overall urban planning (2011-2020) for Qiqihar in Northeast China’s Heilongjiang province.

Located in west Heilongjiang province, Qiqihar is a major city and important industrial base in North China.

Coordinated urban and rural development was urged in the designated area of 4,310 square kilometers.

According to the plan, the population of permanent residents in downtown Qiqihar will be capped at 1.15 million by 2020, and the city’s urban construction land limited to 116.8 square kilometers.

The State Council also urged the Qiqihar government to develop land resources in a reasonable way, strictly control any additional construction land and enhance the efficiency of land use.

The local government is also required to improve low carbon and green urban infrastructure, and establish a comprehensive transportation system.

The plan also suggests the government should control pollutants and speed up overcapacity retirement, while creating a people-friendly city. Efforts to protect historic and natural reserves are also listed.

In addition, the provincial government of Heilongjiang and the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development should enhance guidance, supervision and inspections to ensure successful implementation of the plan.