The State Council has approved the 2017 amendment to the overall city planning (2001-2020) of Liaoyang in Northeast China’s Liaoning province.

Liaoyang is a modern industrial city with the petrochemical sector as its pillar industry, and is also one of the central cities in southern Liaoning.

According to the plan, coordinated urban and rural development was urged in the designated area of 1,080 square kilometers, with the population of permanent residents in downtown Liaoyang capped at 1.07 million by 2020, and the city’s urban construction land limited to 112 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 should also be made to improve the land usage rate and protect basic farmlands.

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, and 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, and specifically asked to include affordable housing projects in the plan.

In addition, the city is asked to protect historical and cultural heritages, including the site of the White Tower.