Chongqing - Situated in the confluence of the Jialing and Yangtze rivers lies the Liangjiang New Area, a burgeoning hub of innovation reshaping Chongqing's economic landscape and China's third national-level development and open area.

Despite occupying a mere 1.5% of Chongqing's territory, Liangjiang New Area plays a pivotal role in Chongqing's economic landscape. (Graphics/Dai Yuan)

Within the Liangjiang New Area, Changan Automobile, China's auto giant's global research center and intelligent factory, holds 26 groundbreaking independent core technologies, such as autonomous vehicles effortlessly parking via smartphone commands and seats adjusting for optimal comfort. This signals a future replete with innovation and tech-savvy advancements.

Over the past three years, Changan Automobile has averaged 18 new patent applications daily, unveiling 40 new products and undergoing a comprehensive digital upgrade in production. These advancements have shortened new product launch cycles by 30%, enhanced manufacturing efficiency by 20%, and increased product-added value.

The transformation of Changan Automobile epitomizes the in-depth integration between the digital economy and the real economy in Liangjiang New Area. With a focus on high-end, intelligent, and eco-friendly development goals, to date, Liangjiang New Area has executed 350 projects for intelligent transformation, establishing 22 smart factories and 107 digital workshops.

Beyond industrial transformation, fostering an ecosystem is a must. The burgeoning Liangjiang Collaborative Innovation Zone within the area thrives by constructing a nationally influential scientific and technological innovation center. 

Leveraging this zone, the Liangjiang New Area has attracted over 50 new research institutions and 25 academicians' teams and nurtured more than 3,000 talents for innovation and entrepreneurship.

To date, Liangjiang New Area has executed 350 projects for intelligent transformation, establishing 22 smart factories and 107 digital workshops. (Graphics/Dai Yuan)

"The industry, supply, and innovation chains have a deep integration here," said Xu Hongqiu, Vice Director of Liangjiang New Area Administrative Committee. "And the research institutes, universities, and corporate research force share achievements with each other."

Xu added all these drive Liangjiang New Area to spearhead building a significant technological and industrial innovation hub. As these novel research institutions congregate and industry leaders flock, innovation steers the digital transformation.

Despite occupying a mere 1.5% of Chongqing's territory, Liangjiang New Area has contributed around 15% of the city's economic output, 20% of the gross value of industrial output above designated size, 60% of auto production, and other more significant percentages in various economic sectors, illustrating its pivotal role in Chongqing's economic landscape.