PLANS for the areas around Guangzhou's new railway passenger station were recently accepted by Guangzhou's planning authority, becoming the statutory plan for the development of the area.

    Under the plan, the new station will feature a structure which consists of "five zones and two circular water systems on two axes". The five zones will comprise an integrated service area, an integrated commercial and residential area, an integrated trading area, a logistics area, and an agricultural sightseeing area. The "two circular water systems" will be an inner water system and an outer one – the inner system will be a man-made channel, designed for flood control and drainage purposes; and, the outer channel will be formed by the river around the station where the river-side waterscape will be improved. The two "axes" will be a greenbelt along the railway and an axis of man-made and natural sights.

    The station's transport functions will be complemented by accommodation, business, information, service and entertainment outlets in the area around the station and the entire station will blend perfectly into the natural landscape.

    Four car parks, ranging from 4,000-7,000 square meters in size, will be built on the station's eastern and western sides and two large gas stations will be constructed outside of the station's boundaries. (translated by Guangzhou Association of Foreign Affairs Translators)