On October 17, the Information Office of the Jilin Provincial People's Government held a press conference to introduce the Development Plan for the Changchun Metropolitan Area (hereinafter referred to as the Plan).

The Plan consists of the preface, 12 chapters, 42 sections, and 11 special columns. It specifies that the Changchun Modern Metropolitan Area is centered on Changchun City and composed of Jilin City, Siping City, and Liaoyuan City, which are closely connected to it. The designated area covers Changchun City's Chaoyang, Nanguan, Kuancheng, Erdao, Lvyuan, Shuangyang, and Jiutai Districts, Gongzhuling City, Nong'an County, and the entire Dehui City, as well as parts of Yushu City; Jilin City's Chuanying, Changyi, Longtan, and Fengman Districts; Siping City's Tiedong and Tiexi Districts and Yitong Manchu Autonomous County; and the entire Longshan and Xi'an Districts of Liaoyuan City, as well as parts of Dongliao County. The total area spans 29,700 square kilometers with a permanent population of approximately 12.1 million. The sphere of influence extends to Yongji County and Panshi City of Jilin City, Lishu County of Siping City, Dongliao County and Dongfeng County of Liaoyuan City, Songyuan City's urban area and its Qianguo County, Fuyu City, and Changling County, as well as Meihekou City.

The Plan can be summarized as one spatial layout, two phased goals, nine key tasks, and one set of safeguard mechanisms.

One spatial layout: Focusing on coordinated regional development, the Changchun Modern Metropolitan Area will adhere to the principles of central-city leadership, belt-based expansion, multi-point support, and coordinated linkage, forming a "1351" spatial pattern, namely, "one center, three clusters, five belts, and one corridor". Notably, the "one center" refers to Changchun, which serves as the central city of the metropolitan area. The "three clusters" are developed around the integrated development of Changchun, Jilin, Siping, and Liaoyuan, resulting in the Changchun-Jilin cluster, the Changchun-Siping cluster, and the Changchun-Liaoyuan cluster. The "five belts" are based on industrial layout and include the Changchun-Jilin-Yanbian-Changbaishan modern cultural tourism industry belt, the Changchun-Liaoyuan-Meihekou-Tonghua-Baishan pharmaceutical industry belt, the Changchun-Siping-Liaoyuan advanced manufacturing industry belt, the Siping-Changchun-Songyuan-Baicheng modern agriculture industry belt, and the Liaoyuan-Siping-Changchun-Songyuan-Baicheng energy industry belt. The "one corridor" connects the four major cities of Harbin, Changchun, Shenyang, and Dalian, forming a sci-tech innovation corridor and an opening-up channel to spearhead the comprehensive revitalization of Northeast China.

Two phased goals: Having fully considered the existing foundation and development prospects of the Changchun Modern Metropolitan Area, the Plan sets two phased goals for 2030 and 2035. By 2030, the economic aggregate of the Changchun Modern Metropolitan Area is expected to reach approximately RMB 1.35 trillion, with significantly enhanced overall strength and tangible progress in regional integration. A Modern Metropolitan Area characterized by a clear spatial structure, complementary urban functions, smooth factor flows, coordinated industrial division, efficient transportation, balanced public services, and a harmonious and livable environment will be largely established. By 2035, the area will have established an efficient commuting circle, a collaborative and prosperous industrial circle, a livable and business-friendly living circle, and a fully connected smart circle.

Nine key tasks: Guided by the principles of coordinated, innovation-driven, and people-oriented development, as well as protection and inheritance, and openness and inclusiveness, the Plan identifies nine key tasks for building the Modern Metropolitan Area, which are building an interconnected infrastructure network, developing a modern industrial system that deeply integrates scientific and industrial innovation, shaping a gateway for opening-up, promoting integrated urban-rural development, advancing joint protection and governance of the ecological environment, cultivating distinctive cultural characteristics, promoting co-construction and sharing of public services, strengthening multi-level and multi-sector domestic collaboration, and accelerating market integration. One set of safeguard mechanisms: The Plan promotes institutional reform and innovation for the development of the Changchun Modern Metropolitan Area from a holistic and systematic perspective. It emphasizes strengthening hierarchical leadership, coordinating policies across departments, and expanding public participation to ensure effective implementation.

Source: Changchun Government Affairs  Editor: Liu Jiadi