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

Xi Jinping's Inspirational Tour in Guizhou

Recently, President Xi Jinping embarked on a significant inspection of Guizhou Province, located in southwest China. This visit, aimed at bolstering the region’s commitment to high-quality development and rural revitalization, underscores the central government’s unwavering determination to drive modernization through strategic economic initiatives.

High-Quality Development at the Forefront

Xi Jinpings's tour took place just after the 'Two Sessions'—the annual legislative and political consultative meetings in China, where high-quality development has become the buzzword. During his time in Guizhou, Xi strongly advocated for the province to commit to this development and enhance economic growth by deepening reforms and fostering comprehensive openness.

High-quality development is deemed essential for China’s modernization trajectory. Xi urged Guizhou to strengthen its economy, boost innovation, and transform traditional industries while simultaneously prioritizing ecological preservation. The province, once viewed as the poorest in China, has made monumental strides, lifting over 9.2 million individuals out of poverty in the last decade, which culminated in a GDP of 2.27 trillion yuan (approximately $311.6 billion) in 2024, reflecting a 5.3% growth rate surpassing the national average.

Guizhou: A Big Data Powerhouse

Often referred to as China's big data center, Guizhou stands as the nation’s first comprehensive pilot zone for big data. The province has embarked on a huge infrastructure project with 47 major data centers either under construction or operational, positioning itself as a pillar for high-quality socio-economic development.

Additionally, due to relentless efforts in ecological preservation, Guizhou has enhanced its forest cover to 63% by the end of 2023. Notably, 99.1% of the days in its major cities met excellent air quality standards in 2024, showcasing a commitment to sustainable practices.

Cultural Confidence and Revitalization

Highlighting the cultural richness of Guizhou, which is celebrated for its unique ethnic and historical heritage, Xi encouraged the region to preserve its traditional culture while integrating it into economic and social development. During his visit to the Zhaoxing Dong village in Liping County, Xi engaged with locals around a bonfire, discussing comprehensive rural revitalization within a traditional Dong drum tower, a unique architectural feature serving as a community hub.

He stressed the importance of showcasing the distinctive culture of ethnic minority populations as a means to foster both cultural pride and economic vitality through integrated cultural tourism. In recent years, Zhaoxing Dong has actively developed its tourism sector, establishing over 400 hotels and restaurants, generating jobs and entrepreneurial spirit for more than 2,000 residents.

In the past year alone, the village welcomed 1.027 million visitors—a 63.4% increase—while tourism revenues soared to 1.02 billion yuan, marking a 63.8% growth. The collective economic income for the community reached 2.45 million yuan, leading to an increase in per capita disposable income for locals to approximately 41,600 yuan, a 12.3% rise.

Conclusion

President Xi's visit to Guizhou not only highlighted the progress made in this unique province but also set a clear directive for the future—blending high-quality economic development with cultural preservation, emphasizing sustainability and inclusive growth. This balanced approach will be crucial as China continues its path toward modernization and revitalization across all regions.

In summary, Guizhou represents a microcosm of China’s broader aspirations, signalizing that with dedicated investment in high-quality development, successful outcomes can be both economically beneficial and culturally enriching.