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Dalian is building its BEST city

By Zhang Xiaomin (China Daily Dalian Bureau)
Updated: 2011-06-18 18:55

DALIAN -- An opening ceremony was held for Dalian BEST (Biodiverse Emerging Science Technology) City on Wednesday in Dalian, Northeast China’s Liaoning province. The construction of the new city will be accelerated.

Chen Zhenggao, governor of Liaoning province, addresses the ceremony. [Photo by Zhang Xiaomin]

More than 1,000 government officials, entrepreneurs, scholars and experts, both from home and abroad, attended the ceremony.

Located in the western part of Ganjingzi District, the 65-square-kilometer Dalian BEST City boasts a beautiful natural environment and convenient transportation networks. Its forest coverage ratio is expected to rise to 50 percent, from the current 45 percent.

According to Li Wancai, mayor of Dalian, BEST City aims to become an ecological version of Silicon Valley and a key base for research, development, and innovation. It will become a most livable international community, which integrates the best ecological environment, the most advanced industries, intelligent technologies, and top-level talents in Dalian.

The new city has gained recognition from both domestic and overseas investors. A dozen companies, including Lenovo, Yida Group, Goodyear, and Cisco signed contracts after the opening ceremony to participate in the construction.

“Dalian BEST City will provide investors with the best natural environment and services,” said Li Wancai.

Within five years, the entire land grant fee and taxes from the area will be used for its own development.

The construction of Dalian BEST City was fully initiated in 2010. At present, a 150,000-square-meter office building is under construction and will be completed and put into use by September.

In 2011, the construction of 300,000-square-meter industrial buildings, 80,000 square meters of commercial facilities, 800,000 square meters of support facilities, a 30,000-square-meter five-star hotel, a public school that meets international standards and five parks will be started at the core zone of Dalian BEST City. These facilities are expected to be put into use in 2011 or 2012.

The entrance of Dalian BEST City [Photo by Zhang Xiaomin]

Natural scenery of Dalian BEST City  [Photo provided to China Daily]