Jinghai district in Tianjin is to be built into a satellite city in 2017, integrating traditional and modern elements including medical herb plantations and innovative industry development.

A satellite city refers to middle-sized city which is located near a metropolis and holds large population.

Jinghai district, which lies to the north of Tianjin, is close to Hebei province. Additionally, its rich natural resources and diversified industries make the area easy to transform into a satellite city.

According to the district administrative committee, several projects, including economic demonstration zones, new health care bases, and developing cultural and new media industries, are involved in the construction plan.

The economic zone will concentrate on two pillar industries -- intelligent manufacturing and new automobiles -- and is expected to reach 17 billion yuan ($2.46 billion) in fixed-asset investment.

Meanwhile, 160 technological enterprises focusing on bio-pharmaceutical, new energy, and new materials will be introduced into Jinghai district and agricultural industries such as the plantation of Chinese herbal medicine and local agricultural products will be developed.