Guizhou approves master plan for Kaiyang's land use

The Guizhou Provincial Government has officially approved the Kaiyang County Territorial Spatial Master Plan (2021–2035), outlining a comprehensive framework to guide the county's land development, protection, and utilization over the next few years.

Securing the spatial foundation for safe development

By 2035, the plan mandates the retention of no less than 813,000 mu (54,200 hectares) of arable land, including 550,400 mu of permanent basic farmland. Ecological red lines will cover no less than 212.23 square kilometers, and urban development boundaries will be capped at 51.67 sq km. Land-use efficiency is set to improve, with construction land per unit GDP to decrease by at least 40 percent. Water use will be strictly controlled at no more than 141 million cubic meters by 2025. Key risk zones for natural disasters will be defined, with boundaries set for flood control, green spaces, water bodies, historical and cultural protection, and infrastructure development.

Optimizing land use and development structure

The plan reinforces strict farmland protection and promotes modern, high-efficiency mountain agriculture. It tightens ecological security controls and advances key ecological restoration projects in central Guizhou. A coordinated urban-rural system will support integrated county-level urbanization and development. Infrastructure will be upgraded, emphasizing safety, green mobility, and resilience against natural disasters.

Enhancing spatial quality and livability

The plan calls for improved urban functions and layouts, prioritizing land for leading industries such as phosphate chemicals and new energy battery materials. Public services – including education, healthcare, culture, and elderly care – will be more evenly distributed. It also promotes integrated urban-rural communities, work-life balance amid ongoing development, and attractive, livable environments. Urban design will be guided by strict controls on building height, volume, and color. Heritage protection and rural vitalization are also key elements, with tailored village planning and environmental upgrades to boost rural development.

Strengthening implementation and oversight

The plan serves as the authoritative guide for Kaiyang's land use and must be strictly followed. Relevant departments are prohibited from making unauthorized changes. The Guiyang municipal government and Guizhou Department of Natural Resources will oversee implementation, improve governance mechanisms, and guide local authorities in creating detailed and specialized plans. The plan aligns with the national "multi-plan integration" reform, and major developments during implementation must be reported promptly.