The International Department of the CPC Central Committee, together with the CPC Hebei Provincial Committee and the Working Committee of Xiongan New Area, jointly held a thematic briefing on “Stories of CPC: Xiongan’s Achievements in Practicing Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era”on June 27, in Xiongan New Area.  

Over 230 political party leaders or representatives from nearly 40 countries attended the event offline. Before the thematic briefing, representatives visited urban parks, communities, exhibition halls, and key project sites in Xiongan New Area. They explored the vivid practice of Chinese modernization there from such aspects as ecological environments, people's life, urban planning and construction, witnessing the burgeoning growth of this “city of the future”.  

Chinese modernization features the harmonious coexistence between humanity and nature.  

Xiongan is home to Baiyangdian, the largest freshwater lake on the North China Plain. Thanks to years of large-scale ecological governance and restoration, the water quality in Baiyangdian has maintained Grade III in the country's five-tier quality system. The "Pearl of North China"has regained its glory.  

Upon entering Yan’nandi Park at the northern tip of Baiyangdian, the representatives were captivated by the reed beds and lotus fields. They took out their phones to snap photos.  

Dianelys Garcia Acosta, vice-rector of University Nico Lopez of the Communist Party of Cuba, said that this was her first time in China, and she was thrilled to see the beautiful scenery of Baiyangdian. She found the expansive lake surface incredibly relaxing. Xiongan New Area’s efforts in restoring Baiyangdian fully demonstrate that Chinese modernization features the harmony between humanity and nature. A pristine ecological environment is very beneficial to improving the quality of life of local residents.  

The guides mentioned that dozens of rare bird species have now made Baiyangdian their home. Xiongan’s efforts to improve the ecological environment provide a new exemplary case for biodiversity conservation, said Herve Juvin, Member of the European Parliament. He added that a healthy ecological environment is a valuable asset. We cannot separate ourselves from nature and should protect biodiversitytogether.  

Yuerong Park is another large urban park in Xiongan. As you stroll through it, you can see a new view at every step. Pavilions, terraces, corridors, and verdant plants seamlessly blend with the classical garden landscape, giving the impression of being in a classical Chinese garden.  

The garden with a traditional Chinese style left a deep impression on Marcela Ganea, Senior Expert of Belt and Road Initiative Research Lab of Romania. She said she loves the parks and architecture here while showing her pictures. Xiongan perfectly integrates nature, gardens, architecture, and technology, achieving a blend of traditional culture and modern vitality, she said.  

Representative saw the future development direction of this city.  

At the comprehensive service center of Xiongan's start-up area, representatives gained a more comprehensive and in-depth understanding of the planning and construction of Xiongan through exhibits, scale models, and detailed explanations provided by the guides.  

Pierre Mirochnikoff, founder and chairman of the Asia Silk Road Group said he was amazed by the development of Xiongan; it is vibrant and full of life. Every aspect of this city’s planning is excellently executed, with new technologies being continuously applied, new transportation hubs under construction, and the creation of a "smart city"in progress. He said he saw the future development direction of this city in the exhibition hall.  

Leandro Lagos, Diario editor of Uruguay, found the trip to Xiongan an entirely new experience, and hoped to return and see the new progress here.  

In Nanwenying community of Rongdong district in Xiongan, the daily life of residents caught the interest of Camelia Tudose, Speaker of Prefecture of Neamt County of Romania. She found Xiongan vibrant, particularly noting the significance of the “15-minute life circle”. She called it a fascinating way of life, as it offers residents hope, a hope that life can indeed get better.  

During the visit, Andrei Radulescu, Senior Researcher at Institute for World Economy of Romanian Academy, meticulously documented his observations. The macroeconomist found Xiongan’s shift towards green and digital economies highly insightful. He recorded the details and will bring them back to Romania.  

Xiongan provides new insights for urban development in other countries.  

Established for over seven years, Xiongan New Area has implemented a total of 383 key projects, with a complete investment exceeding 710 billion yuan. During this process, 4,180 buildings have been erected, achieving a remarkable transformation from blueprints to reality. This vibrant construction sites at Xiongan Intercity Railway Station and Guomao plot of Xiongan's start-up area left representatives in awe.  

Juan Andrés Gascón Maldonadoy, Young Professor at Autonomous University of Madrid and Member of Cátedra China, said the construction site of Xiongan left a profound impression on him. He said it was rare to find such a large-scale urban construction site elsewhere, and found this new urban construction model worth studying and learning from. He hoped more Spanish people can visit Xiongan.  

Gabriel Santillan, representative of Provincial Congress of Santiago del Estero and secretary of Provincial Committee of PRO in Santiago del Estero of Argentina, recently gained insights into the coordinated development of the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region, a key national strategy of China. After visiting projects in Xiongan which aim to relieve Beijing of non-essential functions related to its status as the nation's capital, he was deeply impressed by China’s strategic vision and long-term planning. He said he witnessed China’s commitment to improving living standards and enhancing the well-being of its people, and believed the planning of Xiongan is both necessary and highly successful.  

Theng Chan Sangvar, Head of a Delegation of Young Leaders of Cambodian People’s Party (CPP) and Member of the CPP Central Committee, remarkedthat urban construction should not only focus on external infrastructure, but also integrate various factors such as economy, environment, technology, and innovation. Xiongan has employed an integrated approach, achieving a balance between urban development and ecological protection, thus providing new ideas for urbanization in other countries.