After SOEs, private sector makes a beeline for Xiongan

The proposal to set up the Xiongan New Area is attracting not only State-owned enterprises but the private sector, including startups, entrepreneurs and even fresh graduates from across China.

All are eager to set up a base, perhaps even headquarters, in the upcoming innovation hub.

"Xiongan will be a hot spot for startups and entrepreneurs. It's supposed to drive growth through innovation, technology upgrades and a brand new style of development," said Qu Chunwei, a native of Anxin county, Hebei province, who used to work in Tianjin.