State Council approves Guiyang's spatial development plan

On Jan 9, the State Council approved the Plan for Territorial Spatial Development of Guiyang City (2021–2035). This comprehensive blueprint will guide development, conservation, and construction efforts and establish a secure and sustainable spatial foundation.

By 2035, Guiyang will maintain at least 2.76 million mu of arable land, including 1.81 million mu of permanent basic farmland.

Ecological conservation areas under the ecological redline will cover at least 974 square kilometers. The area for urban development will be limited to 880 sq km. Construction land use per unit of GDP will decrease by at least 40 percent. Total water usage will not exceed the upper limit set by higher authorities, capped at 1.33 billion cubic meters for 2025.

The plan also delineates areas for flood and earthquake risk control. It establishes control lines for green spaces, water bodies, cultural heritage, and infrastructure development, ensuring safety in strategic mineral resource zones.

The plan aims to integrate Guiyang into national initiatives such as the Belt and Road Initiative and the Western Development Strategy. It will also strengthen Guiyang's role in the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor and deepen connections with the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and the Chengdu-Chongqing economic circle. Regional collaboration within the Guiyang metropolitan area is prioritized to achieve high-quality development with complementary strengths.

Guiyang will optimize its spatial structure by fostering regional coordination and urban-rural integration. Key objectives include elevating the service capacity of central urban areas, advancing the orderly and compact development of Gui'an New Area, strengthening the ecological shield in the northern Wujiang River region, and restoring ecosystems in key rivers such as Qingshui, Gusa, and Xifeng. It will also expand production areas for mountain specialty agricultural products and support modern urban agriculture.

The plan includes allocating priority space for emerging industries such as artificial intelligence, big data, blockchain, and cloud computing, as well as for eco-tourism and leisure industries. It advocates for developing integrated transportation, water, energy, communication, and defense infrastructure. It also emphasizes disaster prevention and mitigation through optimized layouts for landslide prevention and emergency facilities, enhancing the resilience of Guiyang's territorial space.

Guiyang will adopt a people-centered approach to urban design. To achieve harmonious work-life stability, it will balance urban and rural service facilities, develop open spaces conducive to work, living, leisure, and tourism, promote compact, intensive land use, and advance urban renewal projects.

The plan also highlights the importance of safeguarding Guiyang's unique natural and cultural identity. Measures include protecting mountain, river, cave, and forest landscapes, conserving ancient towns and villages such as Qingyan and scenic areas like Hongfeng Lake, and managing spatial elements, including building height, size, and color along key water bodies like the Nanming River and Baihua Lake.

Guiyang aims to enhance its distinctive urban character by aligning development with ecological and cultural preservation as a harmonious "mountain and water city."