On the morning of June 26, 2025, as the fifth anniversary of the approval of the Core Area Detailed Master Plan by the CPC Central Committee and the State Council approaches, the “Exhibition on the Implementation Achievements of the Detailed Control Plan for the Capital’s Core Functional Area (2018–2035)” officially kicked off at the Beijing Planning Exhibition Hall. The event was hosted by the Beijing Municipal Commission of Planning and Natural Resources (Capital Planning and Construction Committee Office). Hu Bo, Full-time Deputy Director of the Capital Planning and Construction Committee Office, presided over the opening ceremony. Wu Jiliang, Deputy Secretary-General of the Beijing Municipal Government, and Zhang Wei, Director General of the Beijing Municipal Commission of Planning and Natural Resources and Secretary of its Party Leadership Group, attended the event.
Wu Jiliang emphasized that under the high-level coordination of the Capital Planning Office, the Beijing Municipal Party Committee and Municipal Government have consistently followed the principle that “Beijing must first be viewed from a political perspective.” Guided by the “two emphases and six priorities” outlined in the approved plan, two rounds of three-year action plans have been developed and implemented, leveraging a collaborative mechanism among central authorities, the military, and local governments to ensure effective execution of the CPC Central Committee’s decisions. He called for an enhanced sense of responsibility, urgency, and mission, urging continued adherence to the highest standards. Efforts should remain aligned with the coordinated development of the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region, while accelerating the implementation of the Core Area Control Plan during the 15th Five-Year Plan period to ensure full execution of the capital’s blueprint and drive high-quality development in the new era.
Zhang Wei emphasized that the Control Plan’s implementation is crucial to the broader goals of the Party and the nation, to Beijing’s urban development, and to the well-being of its residents. It is key to fulfilling the strategic positioning of the capital and shouldering its national responsibilities. As vision translates into concrete action, it reflects that stronger collaboration among the central government, the military, and local stakeholders has enhanced system-wide execution, and sustained improvements in quality of life. Looking forward, he called for more strategic thinking, broader perspectives, and practical measures to plan the next five years, unleashing the capital’s momentum and delivering a model district defined by good governance, cultural vitality, and a world-class living environment.
Also in attendance were Zhou Dongliang, Director of the Planning Management Department of the Central Administration Bureau; Tong Hui, Deputy Director of the Real Estate Department of the National Government Offices Administration; Su Hao, Member of the Standing Committee and Deputy Head of Dongcheng District Government; Cui Zhisheng, Deputy Head of Xicheng District Government; Shi Xiaodong, Chief Planner and Member of the Party Leadership Group of the Beijing Municipal Commission of Planning and Natural Resources; Yang Yang, Full-time Deputy Director of the Capital Planning Office; as well as representatives from lead departments of the three-year action plans, district branches, and affiliated institutions of the Planning and Natural Resources Commission.
From Vision to Benchmark: A People-Centered Planning Journey
Public participation shapes the blueprint
From December 30, 2019, to January 28, 2020, the draft of the Core Area Control Plan (2018–2035) was released to the public, explained through an innovative approach featuring “1 main hall + 32 neighborhood micro-booths”, launching a new chapter in public engagement. More than 1,200 heartfelt suggestions reflected active civic participation and helped bring the “people’s city” vision to life. The final plan was officially approved by the CPC Central Committee and the State Council on August 21, 2020.
Multi-stakeholder collaboration drives implementation
To guide orderly implementation, the Capital Planning and Construction Committee Office organized two rounds of action plans. Over the past five years, the action plans have facilitated collaboration among central, military, and local stakeholders, with active public participation. These efforts have not only delivered tangible results but also established benchmark practices. The Exhibition on the Implementation Achievements of the Core Area Control Plan was specially curated to deepen consensus, encourage knowledge exchange, and promote broader participation.
Progress on the Ground: Advancing the Six Priorities of Excellence
The plan’s first five-year objectives have been successfully achieved, strengthening planning awareness citywide and transforming the collaboration model across central and local institutions. Guided by the strategic positioning of the capital and the “two emphases and six priorities,” significant results have been delivered in the following areas:
Enhanced support for central government functions
The spatial layout of central functions has been optimized, with security systems reinforced, administrative infrastructure upgraded, and government service environments steadily improved.
De-centralization, restrictive and quality development deepened
With coordinated implementation of the “one core, two wings” strategy, population size and building intensity are now precisely managed. Strategic breakthroughs have been achieved in relocating non-capital functions, and consensus around quality, low-density development is emerging.
Historic core preservation and renewal accelerated
Beijing’s successful inscription of the Central Axis as a World Heritage site has driven protective zoning of the old city, restoration and adaptive reuse of key cultural sites, renewal of traditional housing areas, and enhancement of its alleyway character.
Comprehensive urban renewal efforts upgraded
High-quality industries are increasingly concentrated in key functional zones. Commercial districts have been successfully revitalized, underutilized office buildings repurposed, and the “Garden City” initiative is accelerating.
Public well-being upgraded across the board
Public service delivery has been enhanced, renovation of aging neighborhoods advanced, and static traffic issues addressed with targeted solutions—resolving residents’ pressing concerns and raising the bar on the “Seven Essentials” and “Five Qualities.”
Urban safety and infrastructure resilience strengthened
The urban safety system continues to improve. Lifeline infrastructure projects are underway, and a multidimensional, resilient city framework is taking shape. The authority for capital planning lies with the CPC Central Committee, and its rigor and authority must be upheld.
Exhibition Overview: Four Perspectives on Building a Model Capital
“National Center, Orderly Governance” Pavilion
This section opens with a sweeping overview of Beijing’s evolution as the capital city. Historical footage captures major milestones such as the expansion of Tiananmen Square, the construction of the “Ten Great Buildings,” and early efforts in cultural preservation. Through physical models and digital media, the exhibit showcases how, since the 18th CPC National Congress, planning along Chang’an Avenue has optimized central government functions and upgraded the administrative environment through coordinated action.
“Ancient City, Renewed Glory” Pavilion
Focusing on the Central Axis World Heritage bid, this section tells the planning story behind key successes—such as cultural relic restoration, environmental improvement, and architectural harmonization. Based on 11 categories of protected assets identified in the plan, it explains the city’s heritage conservation philosophy through integration, classification, and process management, presenting exemplary cases in adaptive reuse, craftsmanship, and cultural district revitalization.
“People First, Nation Strong” Pavilion
This exhibit explores how projects like the renovation of four hutongs in Nanluoguxiang, tenant relocations in Caixi, and upgrades to Buildings No. 17 and No. 8 reflect efforts to improve the “Seven Essentials” and “Five Qualities.” It also highlights infrastructure and service innovations in response to dense populations, aging demographics, and limited space—such as micro-gardens and community-level governance across 32 subdistricts.
“Data-Driven Future” Pavilion
This section presents how digital technologies—including digital twins, multi-source sensing, and dynamic planning dashboards—are used to inform decision-making. It also traces five years of implementation, from public participation to inter-agency collaboration, uncovering the human stories behind the blueprint.
Looking Forward: A living, evolving exhibition
Integrated with ongoing tracking of the plan’s implementation, the exhibition will be regularly updated to reflect new data and outcomes, creating a dynamic mirror of progress. A special feature area includes a Core Area Map and a public feedback wall, encouraging public participation in the governance of a mega-city and advancing the vision of “a city built by the people, for the people.”
Exhibition Information
· Duration: Permanent
· Location: First Floor, Beijing Planning Exhibition Hall (Closed on Mondays)
· Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Last admission at 4:00 PM)
· Reservations: Please book through the “Beijing Planning Exhibition Hall” WeChat account under the “Visit Reservation” menu.
Starting on June 28, the Beijing Planning Exhibition Hall will offer free guided tours at 3:00 PM every Tuesday through Sunday.
