Changxing, an international garden city
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A spring morning in Changxing county, Zhejiang province. Tea trees planted on most of Changxing's mountains provide a pillar of production. Wang Xingxiu / For China Daily |
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Dragon dancing in Changxing county is different from other parts of the country. Seventeen people dance with a dragon made of lotus petals, which locals call the dragon of a hundred leaves. In 2006 it was listed as part of China's intangible cultural heritage. Provided to China Daily |
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Farmers in Changxing enjoy a quiet life in the mountains. Provided to China Daily |
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Gingko trees brighten a 12.5-kilometer road in Changxing, which is known as the "gingko corridor". It boasts thousands of gingkoes, including 2,730 trees more than 100 years old, 376 trees of 300-plus years and 11 trees of 500 years. Provided to China Daily |
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Blue skies, clean water and green trees provide residents a comfortable environment. Provided to China Daily |
County offers a good environment both for investment and its people
The picturesque county of Changxing in East China's Zhejiang province, which is renowned for its unique ancient water towns and its rich cultural and Buddhist heritage, is now a key destination of business and leisure travelers from China and abroad.
Changxing has been developed at an amazing pace since it was opened to overseas investment in 1999. The county's economy, society and environmental conditions have been rapidly improved, providing a model for sustainable development. Changxing's government has succeeded in developing in an eco-friendly manner to minimize disruption to the lives of residents.
In 2008, Changxing won both gold award and environmental sustainability award in the International Garden City Competition hosted by the International Federation of Parks and Recreation Administration, a nonprofit organization recognized by theUnited Nations Environment Programme.
Situated in the center of the Yangtze River Delta, Chang-xing county connects Jiangsu, Zhejiang and Anhui provinces. It is within 200 kilometers of the major delta cities, including Shanghai, Hangzhou, Nanjing, Suzhou and Wuxi.
Four speedways, three railways, two national highways and one waterway provide for convenient travel within the county. The location also allows easy access to the four international airports in Shanghai, Hangzhou and Nanjing, as well as the international ports in Shanghai, Ningbo and Zhapu of Zhejiang province. Thus, Changxing is closely connected to the whole world.
Picturesque city
Changxing boasts picturesque scenery and tourist attractions including Xianshan Lake Wetland; the renowned Buddhist mountain, Xianshan Mountain; and the world's only breeding base of Chinese alligators. In addition, the county's "Golden Nail", a geological heritage site, is the world's most complete Permian-Triassic boundary stratotype.
Forest coverage in the county is 51.3 percent, and air quality is rated "good" on more than 90 percent of days in a year.
To boost economic development, the county government has put great effort into attracting investment and making the county an area of advanced manufacturing, innovation and structural adjustment.
The Changxing Economic Development Zone has been listed among the top 10 development zones in Zhejiang province because of its outstanding design and infrastructures, and it has been a new highlight for both domestic and overseas investors.
By hosting various forums and trade fairs, Changxing has attracted over 200 foreign companies from more than 30 countries and regions, including the United States, France, Italy, Spain, Australia and Japan.
For instance, Hisense Group and Whirlpool Corp jointly founded a white goods plant (washing machines and refrigerators) in Changxing. In addition, Johnson Controls Inc, Japanese food products producer BourbonCorp and Turkish textile manufacturer Durak Tekstil have also launched major projects in Changxing.
Rich cultural heritage
Meanwhile, the rich cultural heritage and resources have added to the county's charm. Changxing's unique "hundred-leaves dragon dance", which features a dragon made of hundreds of lotus petals, amazed people across China in performances celebrating the 60th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China.
While the county's modern business centers and medical centers have made people's lives easier, its grand theater, public library, parks and botanical garden provide multiple leisure choices.
More recreational facilities are on the way. For instance, Changxing Exhibition Hall and the International Shooting Center will open soon. The new Changxing Culture Center is under construction, and the sports center and new museum projects are in preparation stages.
Zhejiang Peking Opera Troupe, China Children's Art Troupe and a New Year chorus from the Rhine region in northern Germany have brought performances of different types to Changxing so residents can enjoy high-quality shows easily at home. The county also has hosted 18 free art shows at 10 local schools, bringing an art feast to nearly 20,000 students.
Changxing also has organized other events that are warmly welcomed by its residents. The dragon boat race during the Dragon Boat Festival, and the singing competition and gala performance for Lantern Festival have not only enriched people's lives but also have demonstrated unity in the county. In addition, the county has taken performances and movies to the remote countryside to make sure everybody has an opportunity to enjoy various forms of the arts.
The people of Changxing county, who have demonstrated the courage to be the first, are seeking more development. The county aims to upgrade its industry, city construction and culture while improving people's livelihoods.
Now an up-and-coming modern city with beautiful landscapes has been established beside Taihu Lake. The diligent and intelligent people of Changxing are working to make the county more prosperous and energetic.
(China Daily 06/01/2011 page72)
