How about a journey to a place that embodies transformation? Qingbaijiang District stands as a testament to China’s industrial evolution and its bold leap toward global integration. Today, we will explore Qingbaijiang. It is more than just a district. It is a symbol of ambition and progress.
Qingbaijiang District lies in Chengdu’s northeastern suburbs. The district’s name means “azure–white river district”. This suburban area was once part of Jintang and Xindu Counties.
Let’s travel back to the First Five-Year Plan. The Chengdu Plain faced a critical need. It had grain but lacked steel. In 1956, the State Planning Commission decided to build the Sichuan Fertilizer Plant in Jintang County. This was a pivotal moment for Qingbaijiang.
Two years later, in 1958, Chengdu Steel Plant was established. This further solidified the region’s industrial importance. To manage these enterprises, Chengdu carved out towns from Xindu and Jintang. Finally, in 1960, Qingbaijiang District was officially established.
For decades, Qingbaijiang shouldered the mission of building Southwest China’s first industrial zone. It became known for its chemical industry and iron and steel production. By 1990, Qingbaijiang was the first district in Chengdu with a financial revenue exceeding 100 million Yuan. Sichuan Chemical Company was recognized as a “super large enterprise” in 1992.
The early 21st century saw continued growth. In 2008, Pangang Industry’s output of seamless pipe, steel pipe, rod, and wire surpassed 1 million tons. The company became the first industrial enterprise in Chengdu with sales revenue exceeding 10 billion yuan.
But Qingbaijiang did not rest on its laurels. It embraced a new national mission. It aimed to become a “Chengdu-Europe hub”. Through open trade, Qingbaijiang transformed into an export-oriented economy. It became a “Tianfu Gateway Opening Hub” and a “Land Sea Intermodal Transport Hub Internationalizing Qingbaijiang”.
The establishment of the Sichuan Pilot Free Trade Zone in Qingbaijiang in April 2017 further accelerated this transformation. As the only free trade zone relying on a railway port in China, Qingbaijiang pioneered reforms in areas like centralized transportation and automobile supervision.
The numbers speak for themselves. Qingbaijiang’s GDP increased nearly 2,800 times, from 19 million Yuan to 52.6 billion Yuan in 2019. Fiscal revenue increased from 3.9 million Yuan to 8.145 billion Yuan. The China Europe freight train, originating in Qingbaijiang, became the largest in China.
Today, Qingbaijiang focuses on becoming a “Tianfu gateway, open hub,” a “land sea intermodal transport hub,” and an “internationalized Qingbaijiang River.” The district is constructing “four districts and one hub” to drive development in Chengdu’s northern part. Qingbaijiang strives to become a vital part of Chengdu’s journey to becoming an international gateway hub city.
As we conclude our visit to Qingbaijiang, remember that this district is more than just an industrial zone. It is a living example of China’s economic evolution. From its humble beginnings to its current status as a vital hub in international trade, Qingbaijiang embodies the spirit of progress. Its transformation is an ongoing story. It highlights the boundless possibilities of vision, determination, and strategic adaptation.