This Chinese City Is A Bucket List-Worthy, Master-Planned Experiment In Urban Perfection

In less than a decade, China has transformed an expanse of cornfields and swamp land south of Beijing into a futuristic city of more than 1 million residents. With ambitions to reach over 5 million by 2035, Xiong'an is often described as one of President Xi Jinping's defining legacy projects. Backed by more than $116 billion in investment since 2017, the city is envisioned as a "socialist modern metropolis," according to the Wall Street Journal — a model of urban design meant to relieve overcrowding from the sprawling capital.

While China already boasts several high-tech urban centers, Xiong'an aims to take the concept of a perfect city a step further. Not just anyone can live there, and admission is selective: Applicants are evaluated on their education, professional background, and tax history before gaining approval. In a promotional video by China Global Television Network (CGTN), the state's English-language broadcaster, residents demonstrate the city's futuristic ambitions. One woman predicts a place with no traffic jams and robots serving coffee. Her companion responds, "What you mentioned — I think it's already been realized in Xiong'an!" Moments later, they order pour-over coffee from a headless robot barista. At a state-run exhibition center, a guide proudly zooms in on a digital city map to show how sensors alert managers when trash bins are full — ensuring cleanup within 15 minutes.

Only about a half hour train ride from Beijing via it's most direct connection, the new metropolis has a vast main station covering the equivalent of 88 football fields and is designed to handle 100,000 passengers daily. For now, visitors say the platforms remain eerily quiet — but in a country known for rapid urban growth, that emptiness may not last long. 

TikToker @whereverwithjen described her first impression of Xiong'an as "one of the most dystopian places I've ever been," noting that "there was not a single person or car on the street." Al Jazeera English, which received limited permission to interview one local resident, spoke with a woman whose family had lived in the area long before construction began. "We were farmers for generations," she said, "but now we live in these high-rise apartments, and I'm very happy." Tens of thousands of residents were relocated during Xiong'an's early development phase. While many were compensated, the Economist reported that only small sums had been offered to most residents forced to leave their homes. 

Because Xiong'an is largely built on swamp land, floods prove problematic in the area. In 2023, the government diverted flood waters to nearby cities and villages, submerging them in water in order to protect the up-and-coming futuristic city. This led to a rare sight in China — protests from the flooded areas over the loss of homes for the sake of a construction project. 

Still, Xiong'an remains one of the most ambitious examples of urban planning in the world — an evolving test case for how cities might look and function in the future. For visitors, it offers a chance to watch history taking shape in real time, raising the question: What would it feel like to live in a perfectly planned city, and is perfection truly the goal?

During a trip to Beijing (perhaps after visiting this top tourist destination in China for history buffs), Xiong'an is an easy day trip by train, though staying overnight allows more time to explore. The Sofitel Xiong'an offers luxurious rooms, a spa, and a gym for around $130 per night. You can take a DiDi ride (China's main taxi app) 30 minutes from the train station to Rongdong District, the area with the most visible progress. Begin at the welcome center for information on new happenings in town. You'll quickly notice the skyline: rather than soaring towers, most buildings are clad in metal or stone. Rumor has it they're a reflection of President Xi Jinping's preference for modest, functional architecture over glass skyscrapers.

A visit to the Impression Exhibition inside Power China's Science City offers a clear overview of Xiong'an's design and urban plan. The center's café draws in residents, serving light bites and books on the city's development — along with Xiong'an-themed souvenirs. For a casual meal, Qiu-xia Restaurant, a Taiwanese-style snack bar, is a local favorite, while Baiyangdian eateries specialize in hearty fish stews.

All factories near Xiong'an have been closed, leaving the air clear and its natural surroundings worth exploring. Yuerong Park provides a tranquil lakeside walk with views of a traditional pagoda across the water. A short ride away, visitors can take a boat tour of the Baiyangdian wetlands, known as the "Pearl of North China." For context and ease, English-speaking guides can be booked via GowithGuide – just ask Beijing-based guides for a custom itinerary. Though Xiong'an is quite far from a major tourist hub, that's part of its intrigue. Perhaps you'll leave Xiong'an reflecting on how far urban planning can go — and how much of the future is already here. Head back to Beijing and tackle one more bucket list adventure: camping on the Great Wall of China. Here are some essential words and phrases to know before your trip.