Chinese Leader Xi Jinping Pushes Forward on Massive ‘Future City’ Development

Chinese President Xi Jinping conducted a rare inspection of the Xiongan New Area project, a massive development he's personally championed. The ambitious city, designed to rival tech hubs like Shenzhen, remains largely unpopulated nearly a decade after construction began in 2017.

BEIJING, March 24 – Chinese President Xi Jinping conducted an uncommon inspection of the massive Xiongan development project currently under construction outside Beijing, encouraging government officials to fully commit to completing a venture that has become closely associated with his political reputation.

Situated approximately 100 kilometers southwest of China’s capital in Hebei province, the Xiongan New Area holds designation as one of three special economic zones considered to have national importance, joining the established technology and finance centers of Shenzhen and Shanghai Pudong along the coast.

During his Monday inspection, Xi emphasized that “The Xiongan New Area should take reform and innovation as the driving force to promote the deep integration of technological innovation and industrial innovation,” as reported by the state-run Xinhua news agency.

The Chinese leader aims to transfer government-owned companies, academic institutions, technology firms and banking organizations to Xiongan, which spans an area similar to Greater London, as part of efforts to reduce overcrowding and traffic problems in Beijing.

State media reports indicate that Sinochem and China Satellite Network Group are part of at least eight government-owned corporations relocating their main offices to Xiongan, with some already operational while others remain under construction.

Almost ten years after initial construction commenced in 2017, the central areas of Xiongan continue to have few residents, although planners expect basic development to finish by 2035.

Xi encouraged officials to “be bold in taking responsibility, throw themselves into the work of implementation, and strive to deliver satisfactory results to the Party and the people” during his inspection tour, according to Xinhua’s reporting.

While China’s senior leadership typically maintains distance from individual projects, Xi has personally attached his reputation to Xiongan as he has strengthened his role as the primary leader of both the Chinese Communist Party and the nation.

Government publications and state-controlled media describe the decision to construct the city as having enduring significance for the next thousand years, highlighting Xi’s direct involvement in planning, decision-making and advancing the development.

Xi initially toured the location in 2017, coinciding with his second term as Communist Party general secretary, then returned in 2019 following a constitutional change that enabled his third leadership term.

Monday’s tour included visits to the recently completed headquarters of state-owned China Huaneng Group power company and a local high school, marking Xi’s fourth inspection since his previous visit in May 2023.

Xi instructed officials to “promote the early implementation of innovative policies in fields including sci-tech and finance” within Xiongan, as China works toward achieving technological advances in critical areas.