Plan aims to make area clean, green, sustainable and globally focused

A good ecology adds to Tianjin's attractiveness to tourists. [Photo provided to China Daily]

As the growth engine of the city, Tianjin Binhai New Area will be developed into an international livable eco-city in the next five years, said Zong Guoying, Party chief of the new area.

He said there will be a shift from a "fast-growing Binhai" to a "sustainable Binhai".

He explained that during the 13th Five-Year Plan (2016-20), the local government will focus on improving the environment and living conditions in Binhai by implementing the Beautiful Binhai Program, which will aim to improve air and water quality, clean local villages and communities, and green the city.

There will also be significant investment to support job creation and improve social security, healthcare, education and public services.

Plans to improve healthcare and education will include the building of a children's hospital in partnership with Canadian investors, and both Juilliard School from the United States and the Franz Liszt Academy of Music from Hungary will set up branches in Binhai.

In addition, Binhai will learn from Singapore's experience of building its e-citizen center to develop a local smart city management system, said Zong.

During the past five years, Binhai has made great efforts to improve the local environment by implementing about 20 projects to renovate its urban and rural areas.

To date, renovation work has been completed in central areas, including Xingang, Xincun, Jiefang Road, Hangzhou Road, and work has also been completed on 185 other roads and 181 communities.

A local resident surnamed Yin said conditions in her community have greatly improved in recent years, and added that the local area is tidier and safer than before.

"Thanks to these efforts, our communities have become more beautiful and comfortable, and the environment is consistently good now," said Yin.

This year, Binhai will continue to increase investment to improve the environment and living conditions for locals, and 176 projects will be launched, said Zong.

This year, newly greening area in Binhai will reach 8.03 million square meters to lift its green coverage to 40 percent.

Binhai will also launch 37 pollution control projects this year, including the upgrading of wastewater treatment plants and power plants.

Environmental improvements have also a positive effect on the tourism industry in Binhai New Area.

The area currently has 11 popular tourist destinations, including Tianjin Haichang Polar Ocean World, Dongjiangwan Sand Beach, Bestown Scenic Area, Chadian Grape Science & Technology Park and Chaoyin Temple.

In addition, it has 17 industrial tourist sites and 17 agricultural tourist sites.

Zhang Zhichen, deputy chief of the commission of commerce in Tianjin Binhai New Area, said: "Binhai will continue to open more tourist sites with better services and facilities."

These include the National Ocean Museum and Mazu Culture Park, as well as other attractions that are currently under construction and will open soon to the public.

Newer tourism services in the city, such as cruise tours and recreational vehicle camping, will see greater development this year, according to Zhang.