Yichang is well-known for its particular landscapes and Three Gorges as a touristic attraction. Thus, in 2030 Yichang and its surrounding cities will be transformed into a modern metropolis; predicting a larger population in the region all due to its culture, natural resources, modernization and business opportunities.
A String-of-Bead Metropolis Structure
Data collected from the Yichang Overall Planning from 2011 to 2013 give an indication of the actual number of residents living in the radiant of 300km of the central city of Yichang are estimated to 3 million.
The central city will be built as a city group whose structure is like a strip along the Yangtze River, including Xiling, Wujiagang, Dianjun, Xiaoxita, Xiaoting, Baiyang, The Dam Area, Longquan, Yaqueling, Anfusi, Gujiadian, Honghuatao, and Gaobazhou. The Yangtze River is like a silver thread cascading 13 pearl-like cities together.
“Yichang is a group city which is divided by ecological corridors and connected by a rapid transportation system. The city landscape pattern is similar to that of Shenzhen and Zhuhai which is harmonious and beautiful. This is the charm of the special landscape Yichang possesses.” said Xia Wenhan, the Director of the Yichang Planning Bureau.
According to Director of the Yichang Planning Bureau, the metropolis will render the residents activities easier and faster. For example, the residents will have the opportunity to walk to each city for only 5 minutes in order to reach the main park of attraction situated in the center of Yichang. Yichang will be located as the center of the metropolis. In addition, the residents in Yichang will rapidly reach to the other side of the river and other cities through the 3 rail transits that are parallel and vertical to the Yangtze River.
The Strategic Position of Yichang is More Prominent
The provincial government replies definitely that the mission of Yichang in 20 years is as follows; to be built a world hydropower tourist city, a regional central city in the upper and middle reaches of the Yangtze River, a sub-center city in Hubei Province; the biggest hydropower energy base in the world, an international tourist destination for scenic spot and relaxation. A regional center of economy in the upper and middle reaches of the Yangtze River, a cultural center of science and education, a center of transportation and an important manufacturing base. An important center of finance, education, culture, technology, health and information service as well as the base of the cultural and creative industry in Hubei Province.
Therefore, the whole city will focus on the coordination of the development of the overall urban-rural and regions. The development of the regions will reasonably utilize and save land resources, and deal well with the relationship of cities and rationalize the guidance to a common downtown of the thirteen cities. The industry function areas and tour function areas will be developed in order for the infrastructure system to integrate ecology, culture, the tourist service function into the city construction.
The Layout of City-Group to Be Developed in Length and Width
The Yichang layout is said to be like a belt along the river. The layout integrates the districts along the river and develops intensively with Bolin River, Qiaobian River and Huangbo River as the axis. The 13 cities will be developed in length and width as a group.
For example, Xiling group will be the commercial center, tourist service center, technological and cultural center. Whereas, Wujiagang group will be the integrated city service center in charge of the transport pivot, the new industry center and the eco-residential center. While, Dianjun group will be the new eco-zone along the river that undertakes the function of sports, culture, education and vacation. Whence, Xiaoxita group will predominantly be for residence, tourism, non-pollution industry and urban agriculture. Xiaoting group one the other hand, will be committed to industry of the passengers’ transport between the city and airport and others comprehensive services. Baiyang group will only include industries and social living. Three Gorges Dam group will be composed of dam area and three townships, dam area is in charge of TGP running, exhibiting and others, while Taipingxi Township will undertake passenger transportation and tourist service, Letianxi Township also will undertake dwelling and tourist services. In addition, Sandouping Township will also undertake tourist services.
Longquan, Yaqueling, Anfusi, Gujiadian, Honghuatao and Gaobazhou are all industry groups.
Residents in the Countryside Enjoy the Same Public Service as the City
Liu Xiaohua, General Engineer of Yichang Planning Bureau said, in light of the overall plan, the public service in city and countryside will be equalized in 2030, and then the residents will enjoy an impartial right and the gap between the two will be narrowed down.
Allocating the public service centers according to the level of city, district and zone meets the needs of city running. There are four core functional centers formed.
Living center pays attention to the construction of Xiling old urban district and Wujiagang new urban district and takes function of administration, business, finance, culture and medicine. Whereas, Production center regards Dongshan, Xiaoting and Baiyang districts as the heart areas and focus on production research, logistics and business service. Leisure center locates at Dianjun which aims at building a district of sports and leisure, creative industries of culture, and ecofallow in Yichang. Tourist center covers Pinghu Peninsula and dam area which undertakes tourism service.
The development planning of society welfare poised to cater the need of senior citizens and the service system for the aged is to be set up. As scheduled, senior and children welfare facility will be reached at thirty eight, including the previous eleven facilities and the expanded ones are in Wujiagang, Xiaoxita and Longquan Districts.