Yangtze River Delta demonstration zone reveals 3-year action plan

Officials from Shanghai and the provinces of Jiangsu and Zhejiang on Tuesday announced a three-year action plan aimed at accelerating the implementation of major projects that aid the development of the Yangtze River Delta Green Integration Demonstration Zone from 2024 to 2026.

The demonstration zone includes Qingpu district in Shanghai, Wujiang district in Suzhou, Jiangsu province, and Jiashan in Jiaxing, Zhejiang province.

The plan features a comprehensive roadmap involving 124 construction projects focused on environmental protection, infrastructure connectivity, industrial innovation, and public services, said Gu Jun, director of the Yangtze River Delta Integration Demonstration Zone's executive committee.

Major projects, including the first phase of the sci-tech academy of Waterfront Town, are expected to be mostly completed by 2026.

In the Xicen Science and Technology Innovation Center in Shanghai's Qingpu district, surrounding infrastructure upgrades are expected to be completed in the first half of the year. Supporting construction should be wrapped up by 2026.

The R&D center of Huawei within Xicen is currently nearing completion, with the official handover scheduled for June 2024. The center will host over 30,000 R&D personnel, according to Yang Xiaojing, head of Qingpu district.

The Suzhou South Railway Station transportation hub project in Jiangsu is progressing according to plan. The surrounding area aims to construct a high-speed rail township that is habitable by 2026.

The Xiangfudang Innovation Center in Jiashan, Zhejiang will later this year break ground on key projects that would turn it into an international learning and culture exchange hub. These projects are expected to be completed in 2026.

Major projects have also been outlined for classified demonstration zones focusing on transportation, advanced industries, environment, and livability, Gu said. Accelerated infrastructure development through 2024-2026 will bolster integrated functions across the region and involve new rail extensions, cross-boundary road networks, and next-generation digital infrastructure.

Industry investments are expected to scale up regional clustering effects while public services and resident well-being will be enhanced through medical care and city renewal initiatives.

"The demonstration zone will prioritize displaying the advantages of the integrated system of innovation, and working toward serving as a model for the Yangtze River Delta regional community of innovation and industrial development," Gu said.

Zheng Zheng contributed to this story.