Chongqing - On November 4, a press conference highlighted Tongnan's achievements of high-quality development in recent years. 

Tongnan, a dynamic district located in the heart of the Chengdu-Chongqing economic circle is propelling itself as a model of new industrialization and urbanization. The district's recent achievements can be seen in its robust manufacturing growth, strategic transportation advantages, and innovative urban planning based on the concept of "small yet beautiful."

The Beautiful Tongnan District (Photo/Tongnan District)

Tongnan's push for industrial modernization is anchored in its ambitious "1132" framework aimed at building a "manufacturing stronghold." The district is nurturing a "3+3+N" industrial cluster model, which targets three main sectors: automotive remanufacturing and intelligent vehicle components, biopharmaceuticals, and new energy and storage solutions. Complementing these are specialized sectors in chemical materials, food processing, and electronic information, bolstered by a focus on emerging industries such as digital technology. This strategic approach aligns with Chongqing’s broader "33618" manufacturing cluster strategy, positioning Tongnan as a key industrial player.

An intellectually industrialized lemon-production center in Tongnan (Photo/Wang Huaqiao)

Tongnan's geographic and infrastructural strengths make it an essential node in the region's economic landscape. The district is less than 1.5 hours away from three major international airports. It is connected by a network of high-speed railways, including routes linking it to Chongqing's urban core in 30 minutes and to Chengdu within an hour. Six highways crisscross Tongnan, while the Fujiang River provides a navigable waterway that links the district to larger trade routes. This connectivity is complemented by proximity to the China-Europe Railway Express and the New Western Land-Sea Corridor, enhancing Tongnan's role as an inland gateway for trade.

Tongnan‘s lemon products entered the Thai markets through the New Western Land-Sea Trade Corridor. （Photo/Publicity Department of Tongnan District Committee）

Tongnan's urban development strategy emphasizes quality over scale. With a current built-up area of 35 square kilometers housing 35,000 residents, the district champions a "smart growth" model and "compact urban living." This includes the creation of "15-minute living circles" that integrate urban and digital spaces, blending convenience with community-oriented living. 

By focusing on incremental, small-scale urban renewals, Tongnan resists sprawling urbanization, instead fostering a sustainable, human-scaled environment. The district’s vision of a "river-valley" city leverages its natural assets spanning 100,000 acres of green vegetable fields and the picturesque Fujiang River flanked by the Jiulong and Dafoling mountains to create an eco-friendly landscape.

Underpinning these developments is Tongnan's commitment to becoming a "bridgehead" for high-level openness and an emerging hub for digital innovation, highlighted by its pioneering "digital agriculture brain." As Tongnan continues its journey, the district exemplifies how a balanced approach to industrial and urban growth can lay the foundation for sustainable development in China's new era.