Urban agglomeration framework depicts cities' growth roles

According to the Beibu Gulf Urban Agglomeration Development Plan (2017-20), which was approved by the State Council Jan 20, 2017, the city cluster will set up a "one bay and two axes, one core and two poles" development pattern in the region.

The development pattern highlights the characteristics and advantages of the Beibu Gulf Urban Agglomeration, strengthens the leading role of Nanning's core radiation effects, advances the supporting role of Zhanjiang and Haikou, and establishes two development axes.

One bay

"One bay" refers to the coastal area around the Beibu Gulf Rim with support from the cities of Beihai, Zhanjiang, Haikou and offshore areas in the city cluster. The region will stick to principle of "ecology first", and encourage sustainable development. Aiming to build a world-class city cluster, the region will make an overall plan for coastline development, harbor construction, industrial development and urban distribution. It will also boost the modernization of public infrastructure, and set up a beautiful blue bay with a high quality of life where people can live and work happily.

Two axes

"Two development axes" refers to the urban development axes of Nanbeiqingfang (Nanning, Beihai, Qinzhou and Fangchenggang), and Zhanmaoyang (Zhanjiang, Maoming, and Yangjiang).

Relying on the Nanning-Beihai Comprehensive Transport Channel, the Nanbeiqingfang Urban Development Axis will give priority to the development of modern services and advanced manufacturing. It will also promote the urban integration of Qinzhou and Fangchenggang, and speed up construction of an open and cooperative platform facing countries in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

Supported by an integrated coastal transport corridor, the Zhanmaoyang Urban Development Axis will accelerate the integrated development of Zhanjiang and Maoming, and facilitate the green development of the region's port industries. The Zhanmaoyang axis is of great importance to the construction of the land corridor, which will link the Pearl River Delta with ASEAN countries, connect the Beibu Gulf Urban Agglomeration with Hong Kong and Macao.

One core

According to the development plan, the region is stepping up efforts to build Nanning into a megalopolis and a regional international city by strengthening its core functions, such as international cooperation, financial services, information exchanges, trade logistics, and entrepreneurship and innovation.

At the same time, measures will be taken to make Nanning a hub and gateway of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), and an economic highland for in-land opening-up, including building a modern industry cluster, and planning and constructing platforms for opening-up and cooperation similar to Nanning Wuxiang New District.

The region will also promote the integrative development of a wide range of cities and towns, including Wuwei-Fusui, Lingli-Liujing and Bingyang-Litang, and create a modern metropolitan area that will lead the development of Beibu Gulf.

Two poles

"Two poles" stands for the two growth poles of Haikou and Zhanjiang.

Aimed at building a strategic pivot city on the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road, Haikou will make full use of its favorable polices to promote the construction of a comprehensive industrial base for marine research and development of the South China Sea.

The region will make full use of Zhanjiang's advantages as a large port in South China, and speed up construction of a regional comprehensive transport hub, an advanced manufacturing base, and a science and innovation center. The city will also promote the development of a pilot city for the national innovative development of the marine economy, as well as the development of an ecological gulf city.

Note: This is a courtesy interpretation of part of the Beibu Gulf Urban Agglomeration Development Planning. In cases of discrepancies, the Chinese text prevails.