The Chinese government announced a historic decision on April 1 to establish Xiongan New Area in North China's Hebei province.

The decision was made as part of measures to advance the coordinated development of the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region, sparking interest around the world.

The move will help phase out some non-capital functions from Beijing, explore a new model of optimized development in densely-populated areas, and restructure the urban layout of the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region, according to the circular.

As a matter of fact, China has established over a dozen new areas over the past 30 years. Here is a list of some of the major new areas across the country.

A view of the Pudong New Area in East China's Shanghai. [Photo/YANG HUANMIN AND JIN RONG FOR CHINA DAILY]

1. Pudong New Area

Pudong New Area is situated in the east of Shanghai. Its location is the major benefit of the area, located at the junction of the middle China costal area and the mouth of the Yangtze River facing the Pacific Ocean.

Pudong was founded in 1992 to strengthen China's reform and opening up. It has now become a financial hub of modern China while gaining worldwide attention. Several landmark buildings were constructed there, including the Oriental Pearl Tower, Jin Mao Building and Shanghai World Financial Center.