The recent economic development in Daqiuzhuang is dominated by traditional processing and manufacturing industries. Therefore, the industrial added value is comparatively low, while the homogeneity of the settled industries is high. On the one hand, this leads to a very high total economic volume; on the other hand, leading industrial sectors are only represented at a below-average level. The replacement of old growth drivers with new ones is slow, and local competencies for technological innovation are insufficient. Because of these problems, the requirements for high-quality development cannot be met. As a result, most employees have low incomes, which is why skilled workers have migrated in the past.

In terms of environmental protection, the existing infrastructure in the core area of Sino-German Tianjin Daqiuzhuang Eco-City has a low level and poor conditions. The overall environment, including road, greening and sewage network systems, urgently needs further planning and improvement. In addition, traditional steel pipe production, as well as painting and processing industries, cause heavy pollution and emissions, which in turn affect local air quality and water safety.

Measures: In the planning and design stage, Sino-German Tianjin Daqiuzhuang Eco-City locates the ecological indicators and highlights the ecological concept:

• Construction of "blue-green mixed network" to create a good nature base according to the principle of "green area in 300 meters, water in 500 meters"; The plan is to have a blue-green coverage of 50 percent; At the same time, a three-dimensional "large, medium and small" sponge system is constructed to create a three-dimensional rainwater collection and utilization system with an ecological shore of more than 90 percent, which will then form the basis of the green and ecological city again;

• Construction of ecological transport infrastructure according to the motto: "Green inside and fast outside". To the outside, Tuanbo Road will be extended, and Sky-Rail station is planned. In addition, highways will connect the Sino-German Tianjin Daqiuzhuang Eco-City. Thus, fast connections will be established: A half-hour drive to downtown Tianjin, 1.5 hours to Xiong'an New Area, and two hours to Beijing. A ring-shaped low-speed system is planned for inner-city traffic, with separate bicycle lanes 100 percent integrated on all roads. At the same time, bus stops and rental bike stations are planned in combination. The goal is to achieve a 100 percent coverage rate within a 500-meter radius. Thus, a perfect green mobile system will be created.

• Building a "qualitatively supportive" community. Mutual learning from current ecological communities/networks with the latest concepts; creating a three-tier support system for public facilities. The total planned population in the Eco-City is 45,000 residents within a full 15-minute residential circle. The Eco-City public centre is home to administrative offices, sports facilities, commercial and recreational facilities, and other service facilities. Three 10-minute residential circles (within 10 minutes of each other) form the ecological neighbourhoods with elementary schools, green spaces, stores, and vegetable markets. The other six 5-minute residential circles (Within a 5-minute radius) are home to day-care centres, non-profit service agencies, and other practical amenities.

• Promote green energy, improve energy conservation standards, and reduce emissions. In the Eco-City, buildings are constructed using 100 percent prefabricated construction methods. A Building Information Modelling design is required for all public buildings. The rate of green energy use is to reach 50 percent. Demonstration buildings will be constructed that are nearly energy neutral; the goal of the green concept is to be achieved using geothermal and solar energy and by increasing the energy conservation requirements for buildings.

Funding: The Sino-German Tianjin Daqiuzhuang Eco-City Management Bureau is responsible for the development and construction of the Eco-City, as well as industrial development, business services, system innovation and public administration. It coordinates the municipal government, enterprises in the Eco-City, social services and construction companies to jointly ensure the construction work of the Eco-City. At present, the Sino-German Tianjin Daqiuzhuang Eco-City is introducing the China Railway Construction Investment Consortium with an innovative development and construction model to master the investment in the Eco-City. The consortium is responsible for land acquisition, demolition and resettlement, and infrastructure construction in the Eco-City. This will create the vehicle for overall planning of the trades. Likewise, the coordination work between the local government and enterprises in land acquisition and resettlement negotiations is carried out; matchmaking for real estate, education, business services and other institutions are carried out. In addition, the site planning in Sino-German Tianjin Daqiuzhuang Eco-City is worked out according to industries. During the decision-making process, the opinions of land, house and apartment owners in the Eco/City area have been actively solicited, and the interests of special groups have been comprehensively considered. A series of facilities for citizens are planned.

Pursue comprehensive international and national cooperation. Implement advanced International concepts in the country. Actively matchmaking with German Energy Agency (DENA) in building energy conservation, green transportation, high-efficiency energy systems, high-efficiency water systems, circular economy, information technology and innovation. At the same time, in order to ensure the implementation of the planning of Sino-German Tianjin Daqiuzhuang Eco-City, the ecological research institute was established under the leadership of the Eco-City Administration Office together with CECA (China Eco-city Academy) and GADRI (Green Architecture Design & Research Institute), and the "Rules on Ecological Management" was jointly prepared. The Rules on Ecological Management will be continuously completed according to the construction progress of the Eco-city and the realization status and provide operational tools for the implementation of the Sino-German Tianjin Daqiuzhuang Eco-city Plan.