Construction sites at the Lanzhou New Area in Lanzhou, Gansu province. [Photo/VCG]

5. Lanzhou New Area

Lanzhou New Area in Lanzhou, Northwest China's Gansu province, covers a planned area of about 821 square km and it is the first state-level new area in Northwest China.

China's State Council approved Lanzhou New Area construction guidelines in 2012. According to the strategic orientation mentioned in the approval, the Lanzhou New Area will be a major pillar of economic growth in northwestern China, a key national industrial base, a significant strategic platform to carry out China's westward opening-up process and a demonstration area for industrial upgrading.

The new area will be well placed to connect inland cities and border areas in China with Central Asia to promote the economic development of Gansu province and neighboring areas.