The concept of sustainable cities is often put forward as a key pillar for future urban development. It promises eco-friendly environments, advanced infrastructure, and enhanced quality of life. However, the journey from blueprint to bustling metropolis is not all that simple and is basically fraught with challenges. Xiong’an New Area, China’s ambitious urban project, is a good example of the complexities inherent in actualizing sustainable city ideals.
In this article, we explore why Xiong’an New Area failed to live up to expectations.
The Vision of Xiong’an: A Sustainable Utopia
In April 2017, China unveiled plans for Xiong’an New Area, positioning it approximately 100 kilometers southwest of Beijing. Envisioned to alleviate the capital’s congestion and serve as a model for sustainable urbanization, it was slated to accommodate 2 to 3 million residents upon completion. The project’s scope encompassed the counties of Xiong, Rongcheng, and Anxin in Hebei Province, with a long-term development area of about 2,000 square kilometers.
The master plan, extending to 2035, outlined a city powered entirely by renewable energy, featuring extensive green spaces, smart infrastructure, and efficient public transportation systems. The overarching goal was to transform the city into a high-level socialist modern city by 2035 and a leading international city by 2050.
In May 2023, President Xi Jinping conducted an inspection of the area, urging accelerated construction and the relocation of non-essential capital functions to Xiong’an. Additionally, the government has implemented policies to attract businesses and residents, including financial incentives and infrastructure enhancements.
Despite these efforts, Xiong’an continues to face hurdles in realizing its ambitious goals. The city’s future success largely depends on its ability to address current challenges and create an environment that attracts both businesses and residents.
As of 2024, the population was estimated at 1,240,160, reflecting a 4.83% annual increase. A figure that clearly falls short of the initial target of 2 to 3 million residents.
The Promise of Sustainable Cities
Sustainable cities aim to balance economic, social, and environmental factors. Their design prioritizes renewable energy, efficient transportation, green spaces, and reduced carbon footprints. These principles, in theory, should create urban areas that are healthier, more resilient, and better suited for future generations.
Xiong’an was envisioned as a model of this approach. Announced in 2017, it was meant to alleviate Beijing’s overcrowding, attract high-tech industries, and become a showcase for modern, sustainable urban development. The Chinese government invested billions into building smart infrastructure, extensive green zones, and renewable energy sources.
To give you an idea of the efforts done:
- Green Energy: The city aims to operate entirely on renewable energy sources, reducing its carbon footprint.
- Environmental Restoration: Efforts include planting approximately 478,000 mu (31,867 hectares) of forests, increasing forest coverage from 11% to 34.9%.
- Smart City Infrastructure: Plans incorporate advanced technologies like 5G, AI, and IoT to enhance urban living and resource efficiency.
Yet, despite these efforts, Xiong’an remains largely empty. Let’s check what caused this.
1. Location and Accessibility Issues
A city can be green and innovative, but if it is not strategically located, people may not want to live there. Xiong’an is over 100 kilometers from Beijing, making daily commutes difficult. High-speed rail connections exist, but they have not been enough to attract a large number of residents. Businesses and workers tend to gravitate toward established urban centers rather than relocating to a city built from scratch.
Xiong’an’s location near Baiyangdian Lake makes it susceptible to flooding. Addressing these issues requires substantial investment in flood prevention and water management infrastructure. Historical data indicates that heavy rainfall in 1963 led to catastrophic floods, resulting in significant loss of life in the region.
2. Economic and Social Incentives Matter
Sustainable cities need more than eco-friendly infrastructure – they require strong economic pull factors. Xiong’an struggled to convince businesses and institutions to relocate. Many companies prefer to remain in Beijing, where established economic networks and skilled labor pools exist. Without major employers moving in, the city lacks the economic momentum needed to attract residents.
Additionally, forced relocations do not create a thriving urban culture. Unlike organic urban development, where businesses and communities shape their surroundings over time, it was designed from above, limiting the sense of local identity and engagement.
Efforts to move state-owned enterprises, research institutions, and universities to Xiong’an have met with limited success. Also these employees often resist relocation due to the city’s perceived lack of social amenities and vibrant lifestyle, hindering the area’s growth.
3. Sustainability Alone Does Not Guarantee Appeal
Despite its eco-friendly features, Xiong’an has been criticized for lacking vibrancy. A city needs more than green energy and smart technology; it requires cultural attractions, entertainment, and a sense of belonging. People do not move to a city simply because it is sustainable – they move for jobs, opportunities, and lifestyle.
Moreover, sustainability measures, if not properly integrated into daily life, can create inconveniences rather than benefits. If public transport is highly efficient but lacks convenience, or if sustainable housing is unaffordable, people will resist moving in.
4. Urban Planning vs. Organic Growth
Cities that evolve over time benefit from gradual adaptation to social and economic changes. In contrast, master-planned cities like Xiong’an risk becoming rigid, unable to adjust to unforeseen realities. While the government planned for a high-tech hub, market forces and human behavior have not aligned with this vision. The result is an underutilized city that has yet to fulfill its potential.
5. The Risk of Government-Led Urban Experiments
Xiong’an’s struggles reflect a broader issue with state-driven urban projects. While centralized planning can accelerate infrastructure development, it does not always align with real-world economic and social behaviors. Governments can build roads, buildings, and renewable energy grids, but they cannot force people to embrace a city that does not meet their needs.
A Sustainable City Must Be a Livable City
Sustainability is crucial, but it must be accompanied by livability, economic opportunity, and cultural appeal. Xiong’an demonstrates that without these factors, even the most well-funded and technologically advanced cities can fail to attract residents.
Future urban planners must learn from these lessons, ensuring that sustainable cities are not just environmentally sound, but also economically viable and socially engaging places where people want to live and work.