Despite its impressive skyline and huge train station, this mega futuristic city has the ability to accommodate up to five million people – and yet years later it still feels like a ghost town
Just one thing appears to be missing from this super futuristic city that cost billions to build: people. Situated some 70 miles from the dense capital of Beijing, the ‘model’ city of Xiong’an was supposed to be China’s answer to the country’s escalating population crisis.
Villages were reportedly bulldozed down to make way for an impressive skyline, a huge train station boasting 13 platforms, and an underground network of cables that technically have the ability to run facial recognition systems and even manage self-driving cars. In many ways, it showcases the very best of Chinese architecture and ambition: and yet it feels almost like a ghost town.
As per the Express, the mega project, led by President Xi Jinping, is designed to accommodate up to five million people and is slated to become a hub for high-tech industries and government offices. An estimated $85 billion (around £65 billion) has been poured into the project, and companies have already started relocating staff to the city.
According to The Times, one woman who was sent to the Xiong’an by her employer branded the city ‘boring’. “There isn’t much social life,” Max Wang – her Western name – said. “Young people all work overtime, and there aren’t many opportunities for leisure or socialising. As for finding a boyfriend, you’ll just have to make do with hoping your friends provide.”
Business owner Zhang Cheng agrees, arguing the city doesn’t really offer any pizazz at the moment. If he asked their staff to relocate to Xiong’an, he fears many would decline – especially on their current salary.
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Still, President Xi Jinping is hopeful the modernised city is a success, branding the project ‘nothing short of miraculous’ during an inspection tour in May 2023. According to China Daily, centrally administered State-owned enterprises have so far set up more than 200 subsidiaries and branches in Xiong’an – and are attracting business people ‘from around the world’.
The city could also become a huge tourist destination for holidaymakers thanks to its convenient location and strong transport links. It’s just one hour and 55 minutes from Beijing on the train – home to attractions like the Great Wall and the Forbidden City – but is a whopping 7 hours and 23 minutes away from the popular city of Shanghai.
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