Summary of Key Points
This news article outlines the world-class achievements of the 41 cities in the Yangtze River Delta during the 14th Five-Year Plan period, highlighting that the region's international presence comes not only from megacities like Shanghai and Hangzhou but also from many smaller cities that excel in specific fields. The overall achievements can be summarized by four key concepts: innovation, openness, civilization, and ecology. In terms of innovation, the region leads both in economic strength and cutting-edge technology; in openness, it has progressed from integrating with the global community to serving and leading it; in civilization, its cultural tourism and heritage showcase China's charm; and in ecology, it has become a model for harmonious coexistence between humans and nature.
Detailed Explanation
#### 1. Innovation: Cities of all sizes contribute, with both economic strength and technology striving for the world's best
Innovation in the Yangtze River Delta is not limited to large cities; smaller towns have also won global recognition in their respective fields.
- Economic Strength: By 2025, the total economic output of the Yangtze River Delta is expected to reach 34.66 trillion yuan (on par with Germany and Japan), with ten cities entering the “trillion-yuan club.” Shanghai will exceed 5 trillion yuan and rank among the top five globally, maintaining its leading position in port trade.
- Hidden Champions among Smaller Cities: Suzhou has developed the world's first mass-production line for 8-inch gallium nitride (used in high-efficiency chip materials for fast charging phones); Suqian is the largest producer of membrane materials in China, accounting for 50% of the global market for high-end polyester films; Hefei leads in energy storage systems and photovoltaic inverters; Fuyang has built the world's first GWh-level sodium-ion battery production line (safer and cheaper than lithium batteries); Huainan has the largest carbon dioxide-based polyol facility, converting CO2 into useful materials; Tongling has the highest electrolytic copper production capacity in the world.
- Cutting-edge Technology: Hefei’s “Dongfang Super Ring” nuclear fusion device has set a world record for energy output per second, and Nanjing’s Zijinshan Laboratory has established the world’s first 6G field test network; Nantong ranks first among prefecture-level cities in innovation indices; Hangzhou’s Alibaba Qianwen and DeepSeek large models are among the best in the world.
#### 2. Openness: Moving from integration to serving and leading the global community
The Yangtze River Delta is not only integrating with the world but also contributing to its development.
- Powerful Service Platforms: Shanghai Port handles over 50 million standard containers annually (for 16 consecutive years); Ningbo Port handles 1.4 billion tons of cargo (the highest in 2017); Zhoushan accounts for 8% of global new shipbuilding orders and 20% of repairs (half of the world’s top ten shipyards are in Zhoushan). There are also international cooperation platforms, such as the BRICS Cooperation Center and the China-Africa Digital Technology Center in Hangzhou, and the United Nations procurement platform in Ningbo.
- Warm International Services: Nanjing has provided full-process CAR-T cancer treatment for overseas patients for the first time; Fuyang has hosted the RCEP Entrepreneurs’ Meeting; Bozhou has established the RCEP Traditional Chinese Medicine Industry Cooperation Council.
- Active International Exchanges: Nanjing is known as the World Capital of Literature and an International Peace City; Lianyungang’s cross-border data model is a model for SCO cooperation; Zhoushan’s rescue mission with the “Lisbon Ship” has demonstrated Chinese humanitarianism; Huangshan has hosted important diplomatic events like the Afghan Foreign Ministers’ Meeting; Bozhou promotes traditional Chinese medicine and liquor overseas.
#### 3. Civilization: Cultural tourism and heritage attract the world
The region’s cultural charm is attracting global attention.
- Cultural Tourism Appeal: Shanghai expects 9.36 million international visitors by 2025 (a 39.6% increase), making it the top destination for inbound tourists; Hangzhou hosts the headquarters of the World Tourism Alliance; two villages in Huzhou have been awarded “Best Tourism Villages” by the United Nations (unique in the world); Huangshan has been listed as a must-visit destination by The New York Times for 2025.
- Cuisine Export: Huai'an and Yangzhou are recognized as “World Food Capitals” (two out of six in China); Huizhou’s stinky mandarin fish is being exported for the first time; Huainan’s beef soup has obtained EU certification, and Tongling’s local dishes have made it to the Hurun Global 50 Best Restaurants list.
- Heritage Protection: Huangshan has all four types of UNESCO heritage (cultural, natural, intangible cultural, and memory); Zhenjiang’s irrigation system and Deqing’s pearl farming have been inscribed on the World Heritage List; Jinhua’s Wuzhou residential architecture and Huangshan’s tea-making techniques are recognized as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage; Nanjing’s city wall and Hangzhou’s Sizhou papermaking site are also applying for heritage status.
#### 4. Ecology: The birthplace of the “Two Mountains” philosophy, setting an international example
The Yangtze River Delta is a pioneer in ecological conservation.
- Ecological Achievements: Six cities, including Shanghai’s Chongming and Suzhou, have been awarded the title of “International Wetland City”; Hangzhou is a model for harmonious coexistence with nature, hosting the World Biosphere Reserve Conference; Jiaxing is one of the first cities in the world to promote biodiversity.
- Sharing Ecological Experiences: Taizhou’s “Blue Loop” marine plastic management project won the United Nations’ Earth Champion Award (the highest honor for environmental protection); Zhoushan’s zero-carbon village model has been recommended by the UN Human Settlements Programme.
These achievements demonstrate that the Yangtze River Delta is not only a driving force for China’s economy but also a window to showcase the quality of China’s development to the world.