BEIJING, April 8 (Xinhua) -- Beijing plans to build four new urban vitality zones during the 2026-2030 period, according to the city's development plan for the 15th Five-Year Plan period, which was released on Wednesday.

This is a key measure to fulfill Beijing's strategic role as the national capital and optimize the city's spatial layout, according to the plan.

The four zones will be built along the city's two main axes -- the central axis and Chang'an Avenue -- as well as their extension lines, in a bid to reshape the city's functions, said an official with the Beijing Municipal Development and Reform Commission.

In the eastern part of the city, a pleasant waterfront area will be created along the Grand Canal, where Beijing will strengthen water restoration, cultural heritage and business revival, while improving the functions and quality of the waterfront space. In the western part, a waterfront "urban living room" featuring "two parks and one river" will be constructed, covering the Beijing Garden Expo Park, Shougang Park and the Yongding River area.

In the southern part, a "future axis" will be built along the southern section of the central axis, where the new National Natural History Museum of China and the capital planning exhibition hall will be built. In the northern part, an Olympic-themed reception area will be developed, with efficient use of various venues, facilities and space resources.  ■