BEIJING - Beijing authorities have approved the general plan for the capital city's development from 2016 to 2030.

The Beijing municipal committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) discussed the plan at a plenary session Wednesday, and agreed to submit it to the CPC Central Committee and the State Council, China's Cabinet, for approval.

The plan centers on the subjects of "what kind of capital should Beijing be built into" and "how to build the capital city." It lays out a basic development structure, goals and tasks, policies, measures, as well as plans to achieve sustainable development for the city.

The plan sets limits on population and city development, while vowing to view the development of the Xiongan New Area as part of "our business." It also aims to protect history and culture in the capital city while improving public services to make life better for the general public.