Xiong'an New Area in China: A City of the Future Takes Shape Rapidly

Xiong'an New Area in Hebei Province is a rapidly developing city that aims to relieve Beijing of non-essential functions and advance the coordinated development of the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region. The area has attracted over 4,000 Beijing-based enterprises, centrally-administered SOEs, and emerging industrial clusters such as satellite internet, aerospace vehicles, and intelligent manufacturing of commercial satellites. Xiong'an has entered a pivotal stage, focusing on high-quality development, high-standard management, and efficient resettlement.

Xiong'an New Area in Hebei Province is rapidly transforming into a key player in China's high-tech and satellite internet industries. Established on April 1, 2017, Xiong'an aims to alleviate Beijing's non-essential functions and drive the coordinated development of the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region. The area has seen significant growth, attracting over 4,000 Beijing-based enterprises and centrally-administered SOEs, as well as emerging industrial clusters focused on satellite internet, aerospace vehicles, and intelligent manufacturing of commercial satellites [1].

The new area has entered a pivotal stage, emphasizing high-quality development, high-standard management, and efficient resettlement. The construction of large-scale infrastructure projects and relocation efforts are advancing in tandem. As of the end of February 2025, total completed investments in Xiong'an had surpassed 860 billion yuan (about 119.25 billion U.S. dollars) [1].

Xiong'an's focus on innovation is evident in its rapidly consolidating scientific and technological resources across industries such as next-generation information technology, artificial intelligence (AI), and new materials. The area has successfully implemented several landmark relocation projects, with four centrally-administered SOEs, including China Satellite Network Group Co., Ltd. (CSCN), having already settled in the new area [1].

The rapid development of Xiong'an is not just about infrastructure; it also prioritizes people and ecological sustainability. The area has seen a consistent influx of residents, with its permanent population reaching 1.36 million by 2024. Residents enjoy benefits such as subsidized rental apartments, "Xiong'an talent cards" for business ventures and household registration, and improved living conditions with parks, recreational facilities, and schools within a 15-minute walk [1].

Moreover, Xiong'an is integrating smart technology into its urban development. The new area has developed 153 kilometers of digital roads equipped with smart lampposts that integrate traffic lights and various sensors, enhancing traffic efficiency. AI-equipped cameras across roads and neighborhoods can automatically detect municipal issues, improving urban management [1].

In contrast, Amazon's satellite internet venture, Project Kuiper, is facing significant challenges. The company has completed only a few dozen satellites, far short of the 1,600 it needs to have in orbit by mid-2026. Delays due to weather and production issues have slowed progress, and the company may need to seek an FCC extension [2].

Despite these hurdles, Xiong'an New Area continues to advance rapidly, positioning itself as a major hub for high-tech and satellite internet industries in China.

References:
[1] https://english.news.cn/20250424/65923c7dd1fc4148be9fbbf27df1012f/c.html
[2] https://finance.yahoo.com/news/amazon-scrambles-catch-satellite-launches-190758309.html