'New areas' established in China over the years

The launch ceremony for The China Western Science and Technology Innovation Port is held at Xixian New Area on Feb 26, 2017 . [Photo/chinadaily.com.cn]

7. Xixian New Area

Founded in 2014, Xixian New Area covers all seven counties and 23 villages, towns and sub-districts of the two cities of Xi'an and Xianyang in Northwest China's Shaanxi province.

With a total area of 882 square km, Xixian has multiple advantages for fast development, including a favorable location and economy, abundant education resources and S&T talented personnel, significant historical and cultural heritage, and a great natural environment.

It plays a crucial role in the integration of Xi’an and Xianyang, development of Northwest China and construction of the Silk Road Economic Belt.

Also, it plays a leading role in exemplifying a new urbanization with Chinese characteristics and improving the mechanisms of urban and rural integrated development.