Lhasa to boast modern redesign

Lhasa, the world's highest city, is to become a coordinated and distinctive modern metropolis by 2020, according to an urban planning scheme approved by the State Council yesterday.

As capital city of the Tibet autonomous region, Lhasa must insist upon a sustainable development strategy to reconcile economic, environmental and population concerns at the same time, said the plan, released on the central government's website (www.gov.cn).

Lhasa should "scientifically use" the 1,480 sq km allotted for comprehensive urban-rural development and facilitate economic growth in all surrounding areas, it said.