Bhutan plans to build a new city based on the philosophy of happiness to attract tourists .
The new 1,000-square-kilometer city, larger than the island nation of Singapore and accounting for 2.5 percent of the country's land area, will be built near the town of Gelephu, along the Bhutan-India border. The new city, called Gelephu Mindfulness City, will serve as an economic hub and a gateway for tourists visiting the country, according to a government announcement.
The city will operate on the philosophy of bringing happiness to its residents. "It will not only prioritize economic development but also the well-being of all its citizens," according to a statement from the Bhutanese government .
The new city will use materials such as wood to build houses. Pictured is a sketch of Bhutan's future mindful city. Photo: Bjarke Ingels Group
The plan calls for 11 “ribbon-like neighborhoods” to be located around 35 rivers and streams. To avoid flooding, rice paddies will be built along the rivers. The city has begun construction on a new international airport and dry port, but no completion date has been announced.
Bhutan's King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck said in December 2023 that the country was "not stuck by legacy" and could innovate quickly to implement plans that many other countries might hesitate to pursue.
Gelephu is an important gateway for Indian tourists. However, most other international visitors fly into Paro International Airport, near Thimphu, the capital city of about 26 square kilometers.
Anh Minh (According to CNBC )
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