Jinhu Park, a green gem at the heart of Xiong'an, features classical Chinese gardens and interconnected waterways that blend harmoniously with the surrounding high-rises.[Photo provided to China Daily]

　　Editor's note: China Daily reporters leverage local expertise to devise diverse itineraries that showcase a blend of historical landmarks and natural wonders in highly recommended cities and sites, offering practical guidance to experience the country.

　　Half futuristic tech hub, half ecological and traditional retreat — that's Xiong'an New Area — a smart city rising from North China's Hebei province since 2017. Built to ease Beijing's non-capital functions, it is also meant to model how cities of the future might work.

　　Nestled on the North China Plain, Xiong'an carries a cultural heritage that spans thousands of years. Once known as Xiongzhou, it was a vitalborder townduring the Song Dynasty (960-1279), witnessing centuries of history.

　　In 2017, about 100 kilometers south of Beijing, the Xiong'an New Area was established — a city planned from scratch and powered by digital twin technology.

　　Still under construction, with completion slated for 2035, it is already drawing a growing number of tourists who come to explore this city of the future. Here, service robots greet visitors in hotels, cafes, shopping malls and libraries. Driverless taxis glide smoothly through the streets. Smart traffic systems ensure seamless travel, and drones clean high-rise buildings with precision. It is a place where you can immerse yourself in China's cutting-edge technology and feel the speed of innovation firsthand.