Shiyan: A Green and Innovative Hub in China’s Automotive Landscape

Shiyan, a city located in the northwestern part of Hubei Province in Central China, has played a pivotal role in the nation’s industrial development. In a significant milestone on April 1, 1967, Chinese industrial pioneers initiated the construction of China’s first fully domestically designed and manufactured modern large-scale automobile factory in Shiyan, marking a turning point in the country’s automotive industry.

Over the years, Shiyan has successfully navigated through major transitions, including its involvement in the construction of the central route of the South-to-North Water Transfer Project and the strategic development of its tourism resources.

Today, Shiyan proudly boasts three world-class attractions that have garnered global recognition – “Motor City,” “the Hanjiang River,” and “the Wudang Mountains.” Despite facing challenges when several automotive headquarters relocated to other cities in 2013, Shiyan’s resilience shone through. The city continues to produce commercial vehicles and trucks, maintaining its position as a prominent hub for automotive manufacturing.

Furthermore, Shiyan has established six industrial parks consecutively, fostering the growth of automotive equipment, parts, and new-energy vehicle (NEV) sectors. The city has successfully attracted a multitude of enterprises specializing in research, development, and production of NEV components.

According to statistics from Shiyan’s economy and information technology authority, the city experienced a remarkable surge in NEV production in 2022, with a year-on-year increase of 77 percent, resulting in the production of 107,000 NEVs. Notably, 55,000 of these vehicles were exported, signifying Shiyan’s expanding global presence.

Mayor Wang Yonghui emphasizes that industrial transformation is the key to rejuvenating Shiyan’s historical automobile industrial base. The city’s future plans revolve around the establishment of a green and low-carbon development demonstration zone, promoting high-end industries, and fostering intelligent and sustainable development.

Beyond its automotive prowess, Shiyan is also renowned as the site of the Danjiangkou Reservoir, a crucial water source for the central route of the South-to-North Water Diversion Project. To safeguard the water quality, Shiyan has implemented various water source protection regulations, including the appointment of river chiefs at different administrative levels to oversee the preservation of the city’s 153 rivers.

The Wudang Mountains, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for their ancient buildings and Taoist culture, attract a multitude of tourists from around the world. The city has seen tourism emerge as its second pillar industry, with a 23.08 percent increase in visitors to the Wudang Mountains in the first quarter of 2023.

Through decades of industrial transformation, environmental protection, and sustainable development efforts, Shiyan has not only retained its historical significance in China’s automotive landscape but has also emerged as a model for green and sustainable progress.

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