Now planning to tap into its green environment and varied natural landscape, including forests which cover 65 percent of the area, Xinglong will finally benefit from its proximity to the Chinese capital.

In order to ensure clean air and water in Beijing, Xinglong and other counties around Beijing have long been banned from hosting certain industries. In Xinglong's case, this includes forestry and extensive mining of its abundant iron ore.

This ban leaves Xinglong's natural landscape intact, but it also leaves the county government short of tax money, which in turn prevents the government from investing in projects that would boost the local economy.

"Our good environment and closeness with Beijing has attracted a lot of investors. I have had meetings with several investors almost every day," said Qi, adding,"but we will not green light polluting projects."

Recently a high-tech firm from Beijing has agreed to invest 2 billion yuan (307 million U.S. dollars) to build a research and development park for third generation mobile technology. Projects like this would not only increase government revenues but also creates jobs, said Qi.

With some second and third industries transferring from Beijing and Tianjin to nearby counties like Xinglong, it's reasonable to expect a more balanced development between rural and urban areas in the region.

Narrowing the wide income gap between rural and urban residents has been a major concern of the CPC. Average income in the countryside is barely one-third of that in cities.