China announced Saturday it will establish the Xiongan New Area in Hebei province, as part of advancing the coordinated development of the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region.

This is a new area of national significance furthering similar efforts beyond the Shenzhen Special Economic Zone and the Shanghai Pudong New Area, according to a circular issued by the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and the State Council.

Let's take a look at some things you should know about the Xiongan New Area.

Where is the Xiongan New Area?

Located some 100 kilometers southwest of downtown Beijing, the Xiongan New Area covers the counties of Xiongxian, Rongcheng and Anxin, and is home to Baiyangdian, one of the largest freshwater wetlands in North China.

Aerial photo taken on March 31, 2017 shows Baiyangdian, North China's largest freshwater wetland, in Anxin county, North China's Hebei province. [Photo/Xinhua]