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

Unveiling Progress: Xi Jinping's Visit to Guizhou

On March 19, 2025, CGTN released a report detailing Chinese President Xi Jinping's inspection tour of Guizhou, a province located in southwest China. This visit underscores China's unwavering commitment to high-quality economic growth and rural revitalization.

During this year’s annual sessions of China’s National People's Congress and the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, the concept of high-quality development became a catchphrase, reflecting the current state of economic policy in the country. Xi Jinping’s trip to Guizhou was his first local inspection following these sessions.

Fostering Quality Development in China

President Xi emphasized the necessity of high-quality development as a cornerstone of China’s modernization process. He urged Guizhou to pursue growth by enhancing its economy, fostering innovation, transforming traditional industries, and prioritizing environmental protection. Once labeled as the country’s poorest province, Guizhou has made remarkable strides, lifting over 9.2 million people out of poverty within a decade leading up to 2021. In 2024, Guizhou’s GDP rose to 2.27 trillion yuan ($311.6 billion), marking a 5.3% increase from the previous year, notably outpacing the national average growth rate of 5%.

Recognized as a hub for big data, Guizhou holds the title of being China’s first national pilot zone for big data with nearly 47 major data centers either operational or under construction. The province has become a pillar supporting the nation’s socio-economic development through big data initiatives.

Environmental Preservation and Cultural Heritage

In addition to economic metrics, Guizhou is also focused on environmental sustainability. Through eco-friendly initiatives, the province has raised its forest coverage to 63% by the end of 2023. Impressively, 99.1% of the days in major Guizhou cities met excellent air quality standards in 2024.

During his visit, Xi Jinping highlighted the rich cultural heritage of Guizhou. He advocated for the preservation of traditional and ethnic cultures to boost economic and social development. By integrating cultural heritage with tourism, Guizhou is positioned to leverage its diverse cultural landscape for growth.

In a notable engagement, Xi Jinping visited the Dong village of Zhaoxing, where he interacted with locals around the iconic drum tower. He emphasized the importance of maintaining the unique cultural attributes of minority areas while fostering economic opportunities through tourism. The village has recently opened over 400 hotels, guesthouses, and restaurants, bolstering local employment with more than 2,000 job opportunities.

In the previous year, Zhaoxing welcomed over 1 million visitors, achieving a remarkable tourism revenue of 1.02 billion yuan, a 63.8% increase year-on-year. This influx has led to a collective economic income of approximately 2.45 million yuan for the village, with per capita disposable income reaching about 41,600 yuan — an increase of 12.3%.

Conclusion: A Future of High-Quality Development

Xi Jinping’s inspection tour in Guizhou signifies a forward-looking approach in China’s developmental agenda. By prioritizing high-quality development, fostering environmental conservation, and celebrating cultural richness, Guizhou stands as a testament to China’s strategic vision for modernization and comprehensive rural revitalization. The province is on a promising path, showcasing how targeted policies can create vibrant, sustainable communities.