Xiong’an, once celebrated as a model city, is now seen as dull and lifeless by its residents
Xiong’an: This city in China was once the talk of the town, hailed as a futuristic marvel. But now, it’s being called a ghost town by some locals. One resident even described it as “boring.”
Launched in 2017 by President Xi Jinping, Xiong’an was supposed to be a shining example of urban development. But for many, it’s just not living up to the hype. A local shared that there’s hardly any social life. Young folks are always working overtime, leaving little room for fun or dating.
Despite its quiet vibe, the city was designed with high-tech features like buried fiber optic cables for smart systems. Still, President Jinping is optimistic, trying to attract investors to see the city’s potential.
Reports say about 1.2 million people live in Xiong’an, thanks to merging three nearby counties. The plan is to eventually house around five million. They’re even building a massive tunnel that’s set to be the longest in the world by 2031, showing they’re still aiming high.
Construction on this tunnel started back in 2016, showcasing China’s commitment to impressive infrastructure. Once it’s done, travel times will be cut down significantly, making it easier for people to get around.
Interestingly, there’s also a quirky “fake British town” nearby called Thames Town. Built to lure people away from Shanghai, it’s got British-style architecture and even a pub. A tourist recently visited and noted how it felt like being in Britain, but something was just a bit off.
So, while Xiong’an was meant to be a model city, it seems like it’s still got a long way to go before it lives up to that title.
