Future 'city clusters' envisioned for vast economic heartland

Thirty years ago the Pearl River Delta was designated a pilot area for China's reforms and opening-up, and has since become home to the richest local economies in the country.

The delta again in the limelight after it was selected as another pilot area by the State Council at the end of last year, this time for even deeper reforms and use of a more scientific growth model.

Near to Hong Kong and Macao, the delta's nine cities in Guangdong province - Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Zhuhai, Foshan, Jiangmen, Dongguan, Zhongshan, Huizhou and Zhaoqing - have been grouped into three giant industrial clusters that will be linked by improved infrastructure and standardized social policies for residents as the region takes further steps toward modernization