Zhongshan's Successful Journey in High-Quality Development Over Three Incredible Years

Zhongshan's High-Quality Development Journey: A Three-Year Overview

Zhongshan City, located in China's Guangdong province, has embarked on an ambitious initiative known as the "High-Quality Development Project for Counties, Towns, and Villages." Launched under the guidance of the CPC Guangdong Provincial Committee, this project aims to enhance various aspects of local development, from industrial upgrades to environmental improvements. Over the last three years, significant strides have been made, making Zhongshan an exemplar of successful district development in China.

Key Strategies and Implementation

The project follows the "1310" development strategy, which prioritizes focused action on industrial transformation, water pollution control, and the enhancement of urban and rural living conditions. Following directives from Huang Kunming, a prominent political figure in the region, officials have prioritized this initiative, resulting in marked progress.

Industrial Transformation

A significant component of Zhongshan's project is the transformation of underperforming industrial parks. The city has cleared over 48,000 mu (approximately 3,200 hectares) of ineffective industrial land. This redevelopment has paved the way for the establishment of ten major industrial clusters dedicated to innovative sectors, including new energy, biomedicine, smart home technologies, and new materials. The revitalized landscapes have attracted an impressive nearly 190 billion yuan (approx. US$26.37 billion) in new investments, showcasing a robust growth trajectory with a sustained double-digit increase in industrial investments for 29 consecutive months.

Moreover, the transformation has yielded more than a tenfold increase in the collective property values of local villages, resulting in a significant uplift in the urban-rural dynamic, positively impacting residents' livelihoods and local economies.

Water Pollution Control

Zhongshan has also made substantial gains in combatting water pollution, which has received wide recognition from various ecological governance bodies, including the Ministry of Ecology and Environment. The city's proactive measures have been admired as exemplary, with China Environment News featuring Zhongshan as a model for effective water management practices.

The concerted efforts have seen investments in technological upgrades grow consistently, averaging over 15% for 20 consecutive months. Notably, Zhongshan has achieved a leading position in the Pearl River Delta for the digital transformation of its larger enterprises, marking it as a national pilot city for assisting the digitalization of small and medium-sized businesses.

Integration of Agriculture and Tourism

In addition to industry and environment-focused strategies, Zhongshan is advancing integrated development across agriculture, culture, and tourism. Utilizing its "1-1-1-3-8" tourism framework, the city is cultivating a unique brand that showcases its rich local heritage within the lifestyle of the Greater Bay Area. The tourism sector has been thriving, with a 24.3% rise in visitor numbers and an impressive 28.2% leap in tourism revenue observed in 2024, indicating a successful alignment with the goals set out in the development project.

Rural Living Improvements

Zhongshan's strategic campaigns to revamp rural living environments are also noteworthy. Initiatives targeting makeshift structures, transport hubs, and public areas have led to the completion of 23,000 clean-up and renovation projects under a focused 'three-line' initiative aimed to enhance infrastructure. Efforts to renovate nearly 59,000 households have transformed the aesthetic appeal, harmony, and comfort of many rural homes.

Vision for the Future

As Zhongshan continues its journey of high-quality development, it aims to further achieve tangible and visible outcomes that not only elevate the city’s economy but also enhance the quality of life for its residents. Guo Wenhai, the Secretary of the CPC Zhongshan Municipal Committee, emphasizes a commitment to strengthen the economy while improving urban and rural spaces, all in alignment with the overarching provincial strategies targeting sustainable progress across multiple sectors.

With a solid foundation laid over the past three years, Zhongshan is poised for future advancements, presenting a compelling narrative of growth and innovation in urban development.