The State Council has approved a national territorial spatial plan for Suzhou, East China’s Jiangsu province, for the 2021-2035 period, according to an official reply released on Jan 16.

As per the reply, by 2035, the total area of cultivated land in Suzhou should be no less than 1.9377 million mu, of which the protection area for permanent basic farmland should be at least 1.7281 million mu, and the red line area for ecological protection should be no less than 1,950.71 square kilometers.

To support the new development pattern, the circular asked Suzhou to integrate into the development of the Yangtze River Economic Belt and the integration of the Yangtze River Delta, actively participate in the construction of the Shanghai metropolitan area, jointly build the demonstration zone of integrated ecological and green development in the Yangtze River Delta region, and promote the functional coordination of cities along the north and south banks of the Yangtze River.

Efforts should be made to accelerate the building of an urban system with regional coordination and urban-rural integration in order to systematically optimize the pattern of territorial space for development and protection, said the circular, adding that the quality and stability of the ecosystem of lakes and water networks such as Yangcheng Lake, Taipu River and Wusong River should be comprehensively enhanced.

While ensuring the space demands of modern urban agriculture, priority will also be given to the development of advanced manufacturing, strategic emerging industries and high-tech industries, the reply said.

Meanwhile, measures should be taken to strengthen the functional coordination between Taicang port area of Suzhou Port and Shanghai Port, improve internal and external transportation channels with a safe, convenient, green and low-carbon comprehensive urban transport network.

The reply also noted enhanced protection for world cultural heritages, such as the classical gardens of Suzhou and the Grand Canal (Suzhou section).