#China #Xi Jinping #Guizhou #High-quality development

President Xi Jinping's Vision for High-Quality Development in Guizhou

In a significant tour of Guizhou, a province located in southwest China, President Xi Jinping reaffirmed the nation's commitment to high-quality development, emphasizing its vital role in China's overall modernization strategy. The visit came shortly after the Two Sessions, an annual gathering of China's legislature and political advisors, where high-quality development emerged as a central theme.

Overview of the Inspection Tour

During his two-day inspection, Xi visited facilities and communities in Guizhou, highlighting the importance of transforming the local economy through innovation and sustainable practices. This tour marks the first local visit by Xi following the Two Sessions, symbolizing his direct involvement in overseeing significant regional developments. Guizhou, once known as one of China's poorest provinces, has shown remarkable improvements over the past decade, leading to over 9.2 million people being lifted out of poverty.

In 2024, Guizhou reported a GDP of 2.27 trillion yuan, reflecting a growth rate of 5.3%, surpassing the national average of 5%. This achievement underscores the province's successful pivot towards high-quality, data-driven, and environmentally conscious economic practices.

Embracing High-Quality Development

During discussions, Xi stressed that high-quality development is essential in propelling the modernization of China, urging Guizhou to bolster its economic structures and innovate traditional industries while ensuring the preservation of its ecological surroundings. Guizhou has been recognized as China’s big-data hub and hosts the nation’s first national big-data comprehensive pilot zone. Presently, the province is facilitating the construction and operation of 47 major data centers, which form the backbone of its economic framework.

Xi's remarks resonate deeply with the ongoing reforms aimed at revitalizing regions like Guizhou. The province is also addressing ecological challenges, managing to increase forest coverage to an impressive 63% and achieving an outstanding air quality standard for 99.1% of days in major cities by 2024.

Cultural Richness and Economic Growth

Highlighting the rich cultural heritage in Guizhou, Xi emphasized the need to incorporate traditional values into the province's development strategy. The visit to Zhaoxing Dong Village marked a poignant moment in his tour, as he engaged with local residents to discuss rural revitalization efforts at a traditional drum tower — a symbolic gathering place for the Dong ethnic community. Xi encouraged the preservation of ethnic cultures and their integration into the local tourism sector, which plays a pivotal role in the province's economy.

The Zhaoxing Dong Village has vigorously expanded its tourism infrastructure, resulting in over 400 hospitality entities and more than 60 traditional craft businesses. This expansion contributed to a significant rise in tourism, with about 1.027 million visitors recorded last year, marking a 63.4% increase compared to previous years. Consequently, the tourism sector accrued approximately 1.02 billion yuan in revenue, reflecting a growth of 63.8%, while villagers' per capita disposable income reached approximately 41,600 yuan, an impressive 12.3% increase.

Conclusion

Xi's visit to Guizhou serves as a testament to the Chinese government's ongoing efforts to promote high-quality development across the nation. By intertwining economic growth with cultural preservation and ecological sustainability, Guizhou exemplifies a model for other regions aspiring towards modernization in China. This progressive approach not only uplifts the economic status of local populations but also brings about a renaissance of cultural identity, fostering a harmonious balance between development and tradition in the heart of China.