The State Council has approved a revised version of the overall urban plan (2006-2020) for Mudanjiang, a city in Northeast China’s Heilongjiang province.

Located in the southeast part of the province, Mudanjiang plays an important role in the region as a tourist attraction.

According to the plan issued on Sept 19, urban and rural areas of the city should be managed in a coordinated way. Management of forest regions and rural-urban fringe should be strengthened. Public utilities and infrastructure in urban areas should provide service to the surrounding villages.

Land for construction in Mudanjiang should be limited to 90 square kilometers by 2020, with the downtown population set at under 900,000. No economic development zones or new areas are allowed to be built outside the planned construction area. Land should be preserved and developed in an efficient way. Forest and farmland should be effectively protected.

Improving the city’s infrastructure is emphasized in the plan. More highways, railways, and parking lots should be built. Underground infrastructure should be improved with the construction of an upgraded water supply, drainage facilities and utility tunnel. The alarm system and prevention facilities for disasters should be improved, especially for forest fires and water-logging.

The State Council plans to build an energy-saving and environmentally friendly city out of Mudanjiang, cutting its backward capacity, controlling pollutant emissions and promoting bio-safe disposal of waste. The plan also advocates the efficient use of water, developing green architecture, and protecting nature reserves, wetlands, water sources and scenic spots, such as Jingpo Lake.

People’s living conditions should be improved by providing more quality public services in education, healthcare and civil affairs. Construction of low-cost housing should be ensured. Shantytowns, urban villages and dangerous buildings should be renovated and improved.

The city’s historic sites should be protected, especially its traditional landscape and structure, according to the plan.