Beijing focuses on functions of central districts

Beijing said it will focus more on political functions in the use of land as it banned new residential real estate projects in its core districts on Wednesday.

Except for the rebuilding of shantytowns and old residential communities, the city will bar any new residential construction projects in its Dongcheng and Xicheng districts, which lie at the center of the city, according to a document released by the Beijing Municipal Commission of Development and Reform.

In addition, the authority will bar construction of new hotels and commercial office buildings within the area bordered by the Fifth Ring Road on the north, west and east; and by the Fourth Ring Road on the south.