Xi Jinping's Guizhou Inspection: A Step Towards High-Quality Development in China

In a significant move reflecting China's dedication to high-quality development, President Xi Jinping embarked on an inspection tour of Guizhou Province after the annual legislative and political consultative sessions known as the Two Sessions. This tour not only underlined the importance of economic progress but also highlighted the essential role that ecological protection plays in modernization efforts.

High-Quality Development as a Core Objective

During his visit, which took place over two days, Xi outlined his vision for Guizhou's future, asserting that the region must pursue high-quality development as it continues its economic transformations. He encouraged local authorities to deepen reforms and enhance openness, which are crucial to fostering growth. The President's message was clear: high-quality development is not just an aspiration but a fundamental requirement for advancing China's modernization agenda.

Remarkable Economic Progress

Historically regarded as one of China's least developed provinces, Guizhou has made remarkable strides in alleviating poverty, lifting over 9.2 million individuals out of poverty from 2011 to 2021. Recently, the province has seen its GDP rise to 2.27 trillion yuan (approximately $311.6 billion), a growth rate that surpassed the national average. This transformation is emblematic of China's broader goals toward sustainable economic development.

Guizhou is often hailed as the nation's big-data hub, recognized as China's first national pilot zone for big-data development. The province spearheads the big data industry, seeing the establishment of 47 major data centers, either operational or under construction, which are vital to its economic landscape.

Commitment to Ecology

In addition to economic factors, Xi emphasized environmental sustainability during his tour. He pointed out that Guizhou, known for its ecological challenges, has made impressive progress in forest conservation, claiming a forest coverage rate of 63% by the end of 2023. Notably, 99.1% of major cities in the province achieved excellent air quality standards in 2024. This commitment to ecological improvement reinforces the idea that economic growth and environmental health can coexist side by side.

Embracing Cultural Heritage

Cultural richness is another aspect of Guizhou that Xi highlighted. The province is home to numerous ethnic groups and a wealth of historical heritage that can be leveraged to drive economic development further. During his visit to Zhaoxing Dong Village, a notable center for the Dong ethnic culture, Xi engaged with villagers about rural revitalization efforts while highlighting the importance of preserving their unique cultural identity alongside economic progress.

In Zhaoxing, tourism has blossomed, with infrastructure enhancements leading to a surge in visitors and economic activity. The village attracted over a million tourists recently, significantly boosting local revenue and employment opportunities. By integrating cultural tourism with economic strategy, Guizhou aims to foster a vibrant, sustainable economy that honors its unique heritage.

Future Outlook

As Xi Jinping's visit draws attention to Guizhou's developmental success, it reaffirms China's commitment to a new chapter in its modernization journey. The emphasis on high-quality development seeks to balance economic ambitions with ecological duties and cultural preservation, setting a blueprint that other regions may well follow. In an era defined by rapid changes, Guizhou stands as a testament to how dedication and innovation can reshape a province's narrative and future.

This inspection tour is a pivotal moment as China seeks to navigate the complexities of modernization, uniting growth with sustainability and cultural integrity. The strides made in Guizhou may very well offer important insights into the path forward for the entire nation.