The mega eco-city project in Tianjin, which is jointly planned by China and Singapore, will be completed in 10 to 15 years.
But a glimpse of the whole city can be seen in as early as three years when a start-up area is completed, according to National Development Minister Mah Bow Tan, who is leading the Singapore team in the project.
Artist's impression of Sino-Singapore Tianjin eco-cityThis urban development will not take place at the expense of the environment as buildings in the Sino-Singapore Tianjin eco-city will be energy efficient.
Ninety percent of its over 300,000 residents will also be making 'green trips' by walking, cycling or using public transport to reduce carbon emissions.
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Moreover, green technologies will be adopted to ensure effective and efficient recycling of refuse, sewage and wastewater.
The eco-city is located just 40 kilometres from Tianjin city and 150 kilometres from Beijing.
Mr Mah said Singapore hopes to incorporate some of its experience in environment-friendly practices to the eco-city. At the same time, Singapore wants to glean some lessons from the joint project.
The minister said: "Some of the ideas are derived from what we are already doing here. For example, we are specifying that all the buildings in the eco-city will be 'Green Marked'. We will take some of the Green Mark (certified) buildings, adapt it to the rules in China and implement a Green Mark in China.
"But in the process of doing it, I'm sure we will adapt and improve, and marry the best practices from both sides. I would expect that we will take the improved version and bring it back to Singapore. That's why I say that it's an interactive process - we are learning from each other."
Mr Mah said successful features in the eco-city will be implemented in new developments such as those in Jurong.
The eco-city will be built based on a concept very much like Singapore's town centres, so the new city will have educational institutions, medical centres, commercial and residential areas within walking distances.
A total of 20 percent of its residential area will also be allocated for public housing.
Singapore plans to share its expertise in wastewater management, urban planning and transportation as well.
"At the end of the day, there will be a clear Singapore imprint in this... it will reflect a lot of the experiences we have gathered in Singapore over many, many years," said Mr Mah.
The first development, which is expected to be ready in three years' time, is an area that covers over three square kilometres in the south of the eco-city. Facilities in this area include a business park and a university.
The masterplan for the eco-city will be released for public consultation in Tianjin sometime next week. But before that, work has already started on detailed plans for the start-up area.
When completed, the eco-city is expected to be a model for other cities in China, as well as other parts of the world.
It is the second joint project by the Singapore and Chinese governments after the Suzhou Industrial Park.
The Chinese government has identified the project as the third most important development in China after the Pearl River Delta and the Yangtze River Delta projects. - CNA/so
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