Xi Jinping's Visit to Guizhou: A Commitment to Quality Growth and Rural Revitalization

On March 19, 2025, presidential activities in China took an insightful turn when President Xi Jinping embarked on a local inspection in Guizhou, a southwestern province. This visit, post the Two Sessions—annual legislative and advisory meetings—underscored a central theme for the year: high-quality development. Xi's journey reflects the unwavering resolve of the Chinese government to promote superior economic growth and tackle rural revitalization.

High-Quality Development: The Goal

Xi highlighted that the pursuit of high-quality development is paramount for advancing the country’s modernization efforts. As the president interacted with local officials, he emphasized the necessity of boosting the economy by enhancing innovation, transforming traditional industries, and prioritizing environmental sustainability. This approach resonates with China’s overarching strategy aimed at restructuring its economic landscape.

Historically, Guizhou was perceived as one of the poorest provinces in China. Yet, through consistent efforts, over 9.2 million inhabitants rose above poverty by 2021. As of 2024, Guizhou’s GDP reached a substantial 2.27 trillion yuan (approximately 311.6 billion USD), marking an impressive 5.3% growth, which surpasses the national average.

Guizhou: A Hub for Big Data

Known as China's big data hub, Guizhou stands as the nation's first comprehensive pilot zone dedicated to big data technologies, playing a vital role in social and economic growth. Presently, 47 significant data centers are either under construction or operational in the province, signifying a strategic push towards embracing digital innovation.

Furthermore, Guizhou has remained dedicated to environmental protection, evident by its tree coverage rate increasing to 63% by the end of 2023. According to recent metrics, over 99.1% of days in its major cities met stringent air quality standards in 2024, showcasing a commitment to a healthier ecological environment.

Cultural Heritage and Community Engagement

During his visit, Xi underscored Guizhou's rich history and cultural diversity, urging the populace to safeguard traditional cultural values. He believes that such cultural preservation is essential for enhancing community identity, which would, in turn, catalyze economic and social development.

In the village of Zhaoxing Dong, President Xi engaged with residents around a traditional bonfire, discussing rural revitalization initiatives. The village, characterized by its unique Dong architecture, notably the drum towers, has successfully elevated its tourism sector, boasting over 400 hospitality establishments and generating substantial economic growth for its residents.

With 1,027 million tourists visiting the village last year—an increase of 63.4%—tourism revenues peaked at 1.02 billion yuan, reflecting a booming economic landscape stemming from organized rural development efforts. As a result, the average disposable income per resident in Zhaoxing rose to approximately 41,600 yuan, marking a 12.3% increase.

Conclusion

Xi Jinping's visit to Guizhou serves not only as a testament to China's commitment to high-quality development but also accentuates the importance of integrating technological advancement with cultural preservation. The province’s transformation from poverty to a burgeoning economic center exemplifies the potential of strategic regional development, affirming that true progress intertwines economic prosperity with rich cultural heritage. As Guizhou continues on this path, it stands as a beacon of hope and a model for sustainable development in China.