XIONGAN, Hebei - Vice-Premier Zhang Gaoli stressed the need for tight control of land, property development and neighboring areas as well as protecting historical and cultural heritage and the environment as the Xiongan New Area is developed.

The government should plan ahead before taking action, especially when planning construction of the Xiongan New Area, Zhang said after an inspection trip to the area on Saturday.

Zhang inspected the region's transportation network and visited some residential property sales centers, historical heritage sites and the Baiyangdian wetland.He later chaired a meeting on the planning and construction of the new area.