Qinhuangdao, a port city in North China's Hebei province, is set to launch a series of projects to promote itself as an international tourist city, a local newspaper reported on Wednesday.

The city will inject 70.5 billion yuan ($ 10.7 billion) to help improve urban amenities and boost the city’s image, with ten projects and 45 programs to be rolled out, the Hebei Daily reported.

Improvements in city amenities will center on environmental protection and energy efficiency.

Qinhuangdao plans to reach 100 percent urban sewage disposal and garbage decontamination rates, along with popular use of natural gas, central heating and energy efficiency as standard in all newly-built architecture by 2013.

The city has also set the goal of 54 percent urbanization and 43 percent green coverage within its boundaries, with 20 sq m of green area per capita in the next two years.

The projects are designed to promote smooth transportation, increase urban green spaces, improve water resources, city amenities and residential housing conditions. The city also has plans for further construction which includes building industrial parks and cultural scenic spots, improving the city's image, and developing the surrounding townships.

By Chen Keyu