Xi Jinping Highlights China's Commitment to High-Quality Development During Guizhou Visit

Recently, President Xi Jinping embarked on a notable inspection tour in Guizhou, a province situated in southwest China, emphasizing the nation’s steadfast commitment to pursuing high-quality development. This visit aligns with the annual sessions of China's legislative and political advisory committees, during which high-quality development emerged as a key theme.

During his visit from March 19 to 20, Xi urged Guizhou to maintain its focus on quality growth while advancing further reforms and encouraging a comprehensive opening up of its economy. He underscored that high-quality development is crucial in propelling China’s modernization process.

Economic Growth and Transformation

Xi's message to Guizhou highlights the region's remarkable progress, particularly as it strives for economic revitalization and rural development. Once tagged as China's “poorest” province, Guizhou has successfully lifted over 9.2 million residents out of poverty over the past decade. It recorded a gross domestic product (GDP) of 2.27 trillion Yuan (approximately 311.6 billion USD) in 2024, representing a 5.3% increase from the previous year, surpassing the national average growth rate of 5%.

Guizhou is increasingly recognized as a significant hub for big data, being the country’s first full-scale national pilot area for the big data industry, which serves as a backbone for socio-economic development. There are currently 47 large data centers either under construction or operational across the province.

Moreover, Guizhou has focused on environmental sustainability alongside economic advancement. Thanks to dedicated efforts in forest conservation, the province reported a forest coverage increase to 63% by late 2023. In 2024, major cities within Guizhou achieved excellent air quality standards on 99.1% of days.

Cultural Integrity and Rural Revitalization

In addition to economic strategies, Xi emphasized the rich historical and ethnic tapestry of Guizhou. He encouraged the preservation of traditional culture to boost both economic and societal development. His visit to the Dong ethnic village of Zhaoxing showcased this cultural focus; there, he engaged in discussions with local residents around a communal fire pit, addressing rural revitalization strategies. The village, which has seen significant tourism growth, established over 400 hotels and restaurants and promoted more than 60 traditional crafts businesses, generating jobs and entrepreneurship opportunities for over 2,000 individuals.

The tourism sector in Zhaoxing flourished, welcoming over 1.02 million visitors last year, marking a 63.4% increase and generating tourism revenues of 1.02 billion Yuan, up 63.8%. This boost signifies not just economic benefits but highlights the potential of cultural tourism as a key driver for rural areas.

Conclusion

Xi's visit to Guizhou serves as a crucial reminder of the growing importance of high-quality development as China continues to navigate its economic and social transformation. By focusing on innovation, environmental sustainability, and cultural integrity, Guizhou is poised to set a benchmark for similar efforts across the nation. As China embarks on this ambitious journey toward modernization, Guizhou stands as a testament to the successes achievable through quality-centric growth strategies.