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Xi Jinping's Visit to Guizhou: A Commitment to Quality Development

In a demonstration of China's relentless drive toward quality development, President Xi Jinping undertook his first local inspection visit following this year's Two Sessions legislative meeting, focusing on the province of Guizhou, located in the southwest. This visit underscores the government's commitment to fostering a high-quality economy and rural revitalization, pivotal elements in China’s modernization agenda.

From March 18 to 19, Xi visited various locations in Guizhou, emphasizing the need for the province to adhere to high-quality growth principles. This includes stimulating innovation, enhancing traditional industries, and ensuring ecological sustainability. Guizhou has transformed significantly over the last decade, emerging from a status often labeled as the “poorest province” in China. Between 2011 and 2021, approximately 9.2 million people lifted themselves out of poverty, showcasing the province's remarkable progress.

Economic Growth in Guizhou

In terms of economic metrics, Guizhou made notable strides. By 2024, its GDP reached 2.27 trillion yuan ($311.6 billion), marking a robust growth of 5.3%, exceeding the national average of 5%. Such figures reflect its effectiveness in transitioning towards an economy underscored by innovation and quality. Often referred to as the 'big data hub' of China, Guizhou leads the national initiative for big data, with 47 major data centers either operational or under construction. This initiative forms a backbone for the province's socioeconomic progression, positioning it advantageously for future developments.

Environmental Initiatives

Moreover, Guizhou has committed to ecological preservation, with its forest coverage reaching an impressive 63% at the end of 2023. Notably, the province has successfully maintained excellent air quality standards in its major cities for over 99% of the days, articulating its commitment to environmental sustainability alongside economic development.

Cultural Heritage and Rural Development

Culturally, Guizhou is rich in history and diversity. President Xi has poignantly remarked on the importance of maintaining traditional cultures, particularly in regions that are home to significant ethnic minorities. During his visit to the Dong village of Zhaoxing in Liping County, Xi engaged in discussions around rural revitalization, participating in community gatherings at a unique drum tower, emblematic of Dong architecture. He stressed that integrating cultural tourism with economic development is crucial for supporting local communities.

Tourism Boom

The Dong village has experienced a tourism renaissance, with over 400 hotels and restaurants established, alongside various traditional craft enterprises. In 2024, the village welcomed about 1.03 million visitors, recording a staggering 63.4% increase in tourist traffic and generating about 1.02 billion yuan in tourism revenue. Such growth has greatly improved local livelihoods, with economic collective income rising significantly, illustrating tourism's transformative impact.

In conclusion, President Xi Jinping's recent visit not only showcased the remarkable advancements in Guizhou but also reaffirmed China's steadfast commitment to pursuing high-quality economic development in tandem with social and environmental sustainability. The lessons from Guizhou serve as significant indicators for other regions aspiring to achieve similar success through quality-focused growth strategies.