Two cities in North China's Shanxi province, Yangquan and Jinzhong, were designated as pilots at national level for the comprehensive reform of small and medium-sized cities, said the province's Development and Reform Commission on April 14.

The two Shanxi cities will accelerate reforms in key sectors. They will pioneer for China’s reform and gain experience for the later comers.

The National Development and Reform Commission decide to select a group of pilot cities for reform and develop them into cities with complete functions, distinct characteristics and well-established layouts in three years.

The pilot works of the reform will find the keys to the problems of urban reform and develop a scientific system for their resolution.

The pilot cities will place priority on five aspects of reform, including the financial system, public services and municipal administration.