Within this eco-conscious community, residents can relax on energy-efficient benches that can wirelessly charge their phones simply by placing them down.

Liu Shuyu, director of the power supply center in the eco-city of State Grid Tianjin's Binhai branch, said, "Projects and technologies in the eco-city are benefiting everyone, especially with regard to solar power utilization."

The eco-city is a major cooperation project between China and Singapore. The two countries are collaborating to advance green technologies, equipment, services, infrastructure and green financing initiatives.

One company operating in the eco-city, Innova Green, exemplifies this bilateral effort by incorporating various green and low-carbon technologies such as renewable energy sources, smart energy management systems, visual displays and vertical greening, according to its developer Sino-Singapore Tianjin Eco-city Investment and Development Co.

The sustainable structures and developments illustrate a forward-looking urban renewal model not only in Tianjin but throughout China.

They also shed light on the reasons why the newly established China Resources Recycling Group Co has chosen the eco-city as its headquarters.

Wang Guoliang, director of the administrative committee of the eco-city, said: "The eco-city has had environmentally conscious roots since its establishment in 2008. Plans to elevate the eco-city to a national model zone for green development, approved by the State Council last August, outline standards and steps toward achieving an internationally pioneering status in green development.

"With the integration of a new State-owned enterprise within the eco-city, it's our commitment to supporting technological research, application and knowledge transfer. Leveraging this partnership, the eco-city aims to lead the nation in green, low-carbon development initiatives," he said.