Xiong'an

Xiong’an New Area is China’s most ambitious new city project since Shenzhen, designed to relieve congestion in Beijing and promote high-tech, green urbanism. Announced in 2017, it is planned to house 2.5 million people and serve as a model for smart, low-carbon cities. Located about 100 km southwest of Beijing, Xiong’an is envisioned as an innovation hub, prioritizing transit-oriented development, AI-driven infrastructure, and ecological restoration. The city is part of China’s strategy to redistribute growth beyond Beijing and Tianjin, reinforcing a multi-polar urban system. However, challenges remain, including slow relocation, market uncertainty, and overreliance on government investment. If successful, Xiong’an could redefine China’s approach to planned urbanization and high-tech economic clusters.

Xiong'an is a new city, not just a district. Located in Hebei Province, China, about 100 kilometers southwest of Beijing, Xiong'an was officially established in 2017 as part of China’s urbanization strategy. It is planned to be a high-tech, sustainable city designed to help decongest Beijing, reduce environmental pressures, and drive economic growth in the Bohai Economic Rim.

Xiong'an is envisioned as a completely new urban area, with modern infrastructure, residential complexes, commercial zones, and green spaces, intended to accommodate millions of residents. Unlike a district, which is an extension of an existing city, Xiong'an is built from scratch with a focus on innovation, sustainability, and high-tech industries, making it a distinct, self-sustaining new city.

Xiong’an has seen strong government-driven progress in infrastructure and planning, but its lack of organic economic momentum and population growth raises questions about its long-term success. If it can attract industries and residents at scale, it could move toward Full Ignition, but if it remains underpopulated, it risks stagnation.

Strengths:

• Strongest Possible Government Support – If any ghost city can be forced into success, it’s this one. Beijing is mandating government offices and state-owned enterprises (SOEs) relocate.
• Advanced Infrastructure – The city is being built with high-speed rail, high-tech energy systems, and ecological protections, theoretically making it “livable” if people ever move in.
• Long-Term Potential – Given enough time (and pressure), China could turn Xiong’an into something functional—but that remains hypothetical.

Challenges:

• Basically a Ghost City – Almost no one chooses to live there. The vast majority of housing sits empty, and there’s no real sense of urban life.
• No Economic Pull – Unlike Shenzhen, which had a clear economic driver (special economic zone, factories, private investment, and trade incentives), Xiong’an has no natural reason to attract businesses or talent.
• Government-Mandated Development ≠ Real Success – Many relocations to Xiong’an are forced, not voluntary. Even SOEs are dragging their feet on moving in, and private investment is extremely limited.
• China’s Economy is Slowing – The government has bigger economic problems, meaning pushing Xiong’an forward may not remain a priority.