The top environmental watchdog decided to assign 5,600 inspectors to conduct a year-long investigation into the sources of air pollution in northern cities on Wednesday, just four days after the top authorities announced that Xiongan New Area will be built in North China's Hebei province, which is known for its heavy industries and perennial smog.

This may not be a coincidence, because a balanced and green development strategy that focuses on the protection of the environment will be the hallmark of the new area, and is an integral part of China's new economic growth model. A specific pollution control and environmental protection plan for Baiyangdian, a wetland with lakes spread over 360 square kilometers in the middle of the new area, will soon be included in the Xiongan's development blueprint, according to media reports.

All this suggests that, unlike other economic hubs in the country which have for decades focused on economic growth, often at the expense of the environment, Xiongan New Area, which will offload some of the non-capital functions of Beijing, will be a model for China's future urban growth - by improving environmental protection, water conservation, use of energy and public services, which are essential for it to become a science and technology city, and center of innovation.