Chongqing - On October 12, a press conference on the special industries of Chongqing Kaizhou District was held. Located in the Three Gorges Reservoir area, Kaizhou District in northeastern Chongqing has rapidly transformed from a quiet town into a thriving modern city, now as a symbol of resilience and sustainable urban development in China's Yangtze Economic Belt.

Thriving Kaizhou (Photo/Kaizhou People's Government)

The transformation of Kaizhou began with the creation of Hanfeng Lake, a reservoir formed during the construction of the Three Gorges Dam in 2003. Over the past two decades, local leaders have capitalized on the lake's beauty to promote tourism and enhance the city's appeal as a scenic, livable destination. Today, Kaizhou has a thriving tourism industry, with Hanfeng Lake hosting events like marathons, dragon boat races, and paddleboard competitions, drawing millions of visitors annually.

Kaizhou's rapid urban development is closely tied to its focus on creating an eco-friendly and economically sustainable city. Kaizhou has prioritized the "green industry," emphasizing modern sectors like electronics, renewable energy, and biomedicine while reducing environmental impact as part of its green development strategy. A key example is VDL, a leader in China's electronics industry, specializing in lithium-ion batteries for consumer electronics. VDL commands over 30% of the global market for branded earbud batteries and has become a standard-setter in the industry. This kind of high-tech, innovative industry illustrates Kaizhou's strategy of driving new growth while prioritizing environmental sustainability.

Thriving Kaizhou (Photo/Kaizhou People's Government)

Kaizhou's economic diversification has enabled it to move away from its former dependence on labor exports and low-end industries, building a more balanced industrial base for sustainable growth. Major projects, such as the photovoltaic glass production line backed by leading enterprises, fuel further economic expansion. By prioritizing high-tech, green, and sustainable industries, Kaizhou has become a model for other cities in the region seeking to balance economic development with environmental protection.

Alongside economic growth, Kaizhou has prioritized enhancing its livability. To foster a high-quality living environment, the district has invested in large-scale infrastructure projects, including improved transportation networks and urban amenities. Hanfeng Lake, now the city's focal point, serves as a hub for outdoor recreation. Kaizhou's ecological management efforts, such as addressing fluctuating water levels in the reservoir and tackling environmental challenges, have earned the city recognition as a model for green urban development.

Thriving Kaizhou (Photo/Kaizhou People's Government)

Kaizhou stands as a prime example of how a city in the Three Gorges Reservoir area can rise from its challenges to become an eco-friendly and economically vibrant hub. Its success story is not only a testament to strategic planning but also to its role in advancing the goals of the Yangtze Economic Belt.