The State Council has approved the overall urban planning (2011-2020) for Zhanjiang, a port city in South China’s Guangdong province.

Coordinated urban and rural development was urged in the designated area of 2,216.92 square kilometers.

According to the plan, the resident population in downtown Zhanjiang will be capped at 1.25 million by 2020, and the city’s urban construction land limited to 111.66 sq km. No new districts or development zones will be allowed beyond the approved areas.

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 people-friendly city through methods such as strengthening the sewage and recycling system and improving 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 resources.

The local government is also asked to make more coordinated arrangement for the construction of public service infrastructure closely related to public interests such as education, healthcare and municipal administration. Affordable housing projects are also stressed in the plan.

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