Guangzhou bolsters rescue network

Blueprints for skyscrapers more than 100 meters tall now need to include helipads and other emergency rescue facilities to get construction approval in Guangzhou, according to the city government.

The city's five-year development plan for boosting its emergency rescue network states helicopter aprons will also be constructed at hospitals, government buildings, railway stations, major shopping plazas, scenic spots, bus terminals, stadiums and highways by 2020.

The move aims to further improve the city's capacity to cope with fires, floods and other disasters. An advanced network of emergency shelters in all neighborhoods and townships will also be built by 2020, according to the plan issued recently.