Guangzhou sees better life for residents by 2030

More than 40 percent of the residents of Guangzhou, Guangdong province, will have low-cost housing to meet their needs. This includes new residents, highly talented industrial workers and low-income groups after housing equalization is complete when the city's urban renewal projects are finished in 2030.

According to an urban development plan on the integration of industrial development and urban construction released by Guangzhou's bureau of planning and natural Resources on Wednesday, the city will promote the reconstruction and transformation of 83 urban villages within three years, and 183 in five years, to further improve the city's quality and the lives of residents.

Meanwhile urban facilities will be further improved to create a better working and living environment for residents through continuous scientific planning and development in the coming years.

Departments of the city will fully consider the needs of residents, particularly those with low incomes, to build a harmonious society and promote urban renewal, the plan said.

Low-cost housing will be take up more than 40 percent of the total housing provided by urban renewal projects, allowing more residents to purchase their own houses to further improve the attractiveness of the city and the sense of belonging for residents, it said.

The city's coverage rate for rail transit will be 55 percent to create a 30-minute commute circle for more than 50 percent of the city's working population.

Last year, residents in this southern metropolis averaged more than 38 minutes commuting 8.7 kilometers between their offices and homes, according to the plan.