The capital of Liaoning Province, an international central city in Northeast Asia, a national famous historical and cultural city, and an international comprehensive transportation hub city—these are the designated functions of the city Shenyang, which are determined by the “National Territorial Space Plan for Shenyang (2021-2035)” recently approved by the State Council. Among them, the “international central city in Northeast Asia” is the city’s first approved function with international positioning, which is a new mission given by the country and of great significance.

The plan clarifies that Shenyang will build on its manufacturing foundation and technological innovation advantages to keep on driving the development of the modern service industry and improving the core functions of its central urban area. While promoting the high-quality development of the local economy, the measures will also enhance its status in the national and even international economic structure.

Moreover, the approval indicates that Shenyang will strengthen cooperation with its surrounding cities, and deepen its connections with the eastern coastal areas and the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region, forming a national territorial space development pattern with complementary functions. This aims to facilitate the regional coordinated development, and raise Shenyang’s leading role in the Northeast China Revitalization Strategy.

The approval of the plan leads a clearer path and assumes a position for Shenyang’s future development. In the new round of opening-up and development, Shenyang will continue to advance its internationalization level and boost regional economic prosperity, with a positive attitude and pragmatic initiatives.