After the Beijing government decided to boost the development of the capital's southern sections in 2010, the area has turned into a bustling center of commerce and high-tech and educational institutes.
Â
Having ended their reliance on low-end industries such as cement factories and small coal mines, southern Beijing now has a high concentration of bio-medical industry bases and scientific research institutes.
Â
The southern area spans five districts — Fengtai, Fangshan, Daxing and the southern parts of Xicheng and Dongcheng districts, accounting for 20.5 percent of the city's area. More than 4.6 million people lived in these areas by the end of 2008.
Â
According to the municipal government, the average gross regional product in Fengtai, Daxing and Fangshan districts increased by 11.3 percent from 2010 to 2011.
Â
The average gross regional product in the three districts was 2.1 percent higher than the average gross regional product for the entire city.
Â
The local fiscal revenues in the three districts also increased 26 percent, and were 4.2 percent higher than the capital's average fiscal revenue figure.
Â
The southern part of the capital should further attract investment and high-end enterprises, according to the Beijing government.
Â
The "New South Beijing Three-year Plan" (2013-15) has been approved by municipal authorities, according the Beijing Municipal Commission of Development and Reform, which has pledged to invest at least CNY 290 billion (USD 46.6 billion) in the southern areas.
Â
These areas will focus on a number of strategic projects with the government continuously providing financial, land and policy support.
Â
Rail transportation, the greenbelt along the Yongding River and public service facilities including schools, healthcare centers, elderly care and museums will be at the top of the project's agenda over the next three years, the commission said.
Â
The location of a new airport will also play a major role in the southern region's development, it said.
.jpg)
After the Beijing government decided to boost the development of the capital's southern sections in 2010, the area has turned into a bustling center of commerce and high-tech and educational institutes.
