Business Travel

An Incredible Eco-City Is Emerging in Tianjin

Get a peek at this new central business district being developed by China and Singapore

Tianjin Eco-city is a joint development project between Singapore and China that spans 30 square kilometres in the port city’s Binhai New Area, a large and developing special economic zone. What was formerly a salt marsh is being transformed into an eco-friendly central business district meant to spur technology innovation in a low-carbon environment, just over an hour from Beijing by high-speed rail.

Tianjin Eco-city’s new business district will cover about one square kilometre, with a light rail planned to run along the waterfront. An area designated for startups was recently completed as the project’s first phase.

The purpose of the new city is to foster technology and innovation, while also conserving resources and protecting the environment. The Chinese government aims to use it as a model for sustainable development and is hopeful that the area will attract green-tech enterprises.

While a large swathe of housing has been built in the Tianjin Eco-city – homes currently number 80,000 – it still largely lacks facilities and shops. The central business district should be completed within the next five years, according to the Singapore and Chinese governments’ plans, and Eco-city will eventually grow to accommodate some 350,000.

Tianjin’s development is part of a major project called Jing-Jin-Ji, the integration of the port city with Beijing and surrounding Hebei province to create an economic powerhouse in the capital region. The government is giving renewed attention to sustainable development in an effort to control pollution, especially in the country’s north.

La Veranda Commercial Street

La Veranda Commercial Street, Tianjin, China

This upscale shopping and residential area aims to incorporate natural elements like trees and plenty of light into its wide walkways and spacious courtyards.

Eco Valley

Eco Valley, Tianjin, China

Cutting through Eco-city, this green trail connects the business district to the surrounding area. The trails are made for pedestrians and cyclists, with a tramline in planning.

National Animation Park

National Animation Park, Tianjin, China

A low-carbon development, this complex houses scores of animation companies. On-site residences mean workers don’t have to commute, further cutting down emissions.

Hilton Tianjin Eco-city

Just a five-minute walk from Eco-city, this international hotel is ideal for business travellers. It includes 29,000 square feet of meeting and banquet facilities.

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