Xiongan New Area: Building the City of the Future Together

Xiongan New Area is undergoing rapid urban development driven by a growing population of professionals contributing to its status as an innovation hub. During a March 23, 2023, inspection, General Secretary Xi Jinping met with officials and representatives of units moving into or under construction in the area, praising their contributions and encouraging them to take pride in their roles as Xiongan residents. The project, which started from a single plot of land and a set of blueprints, now serves as a focal point for high-quality development.

Technological Growth in the New Area

The region has become a testing ground for advanced technologies, particularly in artificial intelligence. Weng Junwu, deputy general manager of the Xiongan division of EyeCool Technology, stated that his company was the first AI firm to establish its headquarters in the area, arriving in 2018. According to Weng, the firm has seen its multi-modal identification technology evolve from recognizing people to identifying objects and, more recently, health monitoring.

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Weng noted that the company has benefited from policy support, including industrial fund backing and enterprise technology center certifications. The firm has transitioned from a small, four-story building to a thematic office building. These developments suggest that the area may continue to attract specialized tech firms seeking infrastructure and institutional support for long-term growth.

Did You Know? EyeCool Technology, an AI firm operating in the Xiongan New Area, has evolved its identification technology from simple human recognition to “health recognition” over the course of its operations in the region since 2018.

The Daily Experience of Xiongan’s Workforce

For many employees, the move to Xiongan has significantly altered their daily routines. Zhou Boju, an employee at a central enterprise, reported that his commute is now 10 minutes, a 30-minute reduction compared to his previous commute in Beijing. Zhou, who works in the building often referred to as the “Gold Reed,” uses his extra time to focus on professional tasks and visit the Xiongan Library for research.

The workforce is increasingly composed of individuals from across the country. Chen Yanfei, a teacher at the Xiongan branch of Beijing No. 4 High School, moved to the area last year after graduating from the University of International Relations. Chen, who previously identified with his hometown of Pingdingshan, Henan, now describes himself as a “Xiongan person.” His curriculum now includes a Model United Nations elective, designed to foster a global perspective among local students.

Expert Insight: Samantha Carter notes that the rapid shift in identity—from residents of other provinces to self-identifying “Xiongan residents”—is a significant indicator of the area’s social stabilization. The integration of high-quality educational infrastructure, such as the branch of Beijing No. 4 High School, is likely a strategic move to retain the skilled talent necessary for sustained economic development.

Infrastructure and Future Prospects

The development of the area extends to satellite and network services. Meng Lingcong, an operations manager at China Construction Information Group, works with the Beidou satellite service team. According to Meng, the company launched a Beidou messaging service in February, reflecting the integration of satellite technology into daily life. He stated that the establishment of the Xiongan New Area has provided a larger stage for his work in telecommunications.

Inside Xiong'an New Area: How China is building a "city of the future?"

As construction continues, residents observe ongoing changes, such as new road openings and building completions. The current trajectory suggests that the area may continue to expand its digital and physical infrastructure. Observers may expect that as more families like Weng Junwu’s settle into residential areas like the Hehe Security Housing, the focus will likely shift toward long-term community building and the refinement of public services.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of the “Gold Reed” building?
The building, officially known as the China Zhonghua Building, serves as a prominent landmark and office hub in the Xiongan New Area, housing various technology and innovation departments.

How has the commute changed for workers moving to Xiongan?
According to Zhou Boju, a central enterprise employee, relocating to Xiongan reduced his one-way commute time by 30 minutes compared to his previous time spent commuting in Beijing.

What role does the “Lingwa” platform play in the city?
The “Lingwa” AI training platform, managed by EyeCool Technology, generates various identification algorithms to assist in the development of the “future city” concept, according to Weng Junwu.

How do you think the integration of advanced technology and new urban infrastructure will shape the identity of the next generation of residents in Xiongan?