In an interview with Zhang Jun from the China News Agency, we delve into the remarkable transformation of Ma’anshan, a city in Anhui Province known for its steel manufacturing. Zhang shares how Ma’anshan is shedding its industrial image marked by the clamor of steel factories and is increasingly embracing green spaces and innovation, becoming a model for resource-based cities across China.
Zhang vividly describes the Xuejiawa Ecological Park along the Yangtze River: “Walking along the riverbank, I feel the gentle breeze and see the calm waters with waterbirds gracefully flying overhead, creating ripples in their wake.” He notes that this area, once notorious for illegal docks and sand extraction, has turned into a favored spot for locals. A resident named Li reminisces, “This place used to be overcrowded with sand-dredging boats, and the water was so murky. Now, it’s pristine, and the birds have returned.”
Since July 2019, Ma’anshan has established a permanent fishing ban in the main stream of the Yangtze and its critical waterways. This initiative aims to protect aquatic life and provide alternative job opportunities for former fishermen. Cheng Youqing, a former fisherman now working as a river patrol officer, asserts, “It’s our duty to protect the Yangtze.”
As Ma’anshan transitions away from fishing, it has implemented the “Four Guarantees and One Smooth Path” work method to support displaced fishermen, ensuring access to housing, employment, social security, and education. This comprehensive approach has not only enhanced the quality of life for these individuals but has also laid the groundwork for ecological conservation along the Yangtze.
On the industrial side, Ma’anshan is focused on transforming its resource-based economy by emphasizing advanced manufacturing and technological innovation. Inside a workshop at Ma Steel Group, the atmosphere is buzzing with activity as workers produce cutting-edge high-speed train wheels, which have already clocked 600,000 kilometers on the Fuxing bullet trains. A technician proudly states, “The fact that our wheels are operating safely on these trains speaks volumes about our technology.”
Additionally, Ma’anshan is heavily investing in emerging industries like electric vehicles and smart manufacturing. At Hanma Technology Group’s electric vehicle components facility, workers are busy assembling essential parts for new energy vehicles. The manager expresses their ambition: “We aim to be the ‘heart’ of new energy vehicles.” He notes that their products enjoy popularity both domestically and internationally.
The city also features the Zhengpugang Port, a deep-water harbor that supports extensive shipping operations. This year, the port reported a throughput of 1.61 million tons—an impressive 17% increase—with foreign trade containers skyrocketing by 136%. Between 2020 and 2023, Ma’anshan’s strategic emerging industries boasted an average growth rate of 22%.
Innovation is at the heart of Ma’anshan’s pursuit of high-quality development. At Dongke Semiconductor Company in the economic development zone, researchers are actively working on new technologies. Chairman Xie Yong highlights that the company holds over 200 patents, with its products extensively utilized in smart appliances and consumer electronics.
To foster a collaborative innovation community and help tech-based companies in the region tap into resources from the Yangtze River Delta, Ma’anshan has launched the Technology Innovation Voucher program. For example, Anhui Guoxing Biochemical Co. partnered with Shanghai Polytechnic University to overcome wastewater treatment challenges, significantly reducing costs and boosting annual profits by around 10 million RMB.
The impact of these initiatives has been significant, with nearly 300 companies in Ma’anshan engaging in research and development projects funded by innovation vouchers. This is expected to result in an increase in sales revenue of over 600 million RMB and the filing of more than 20 patents.
As Zhang sums up, Ma’anshan, once dominated by steel production, has embraced a new green identity, with technology parks and ecological sites reimagining its skyline—a powerful testament to the city’s remarkable evolution from an industrial center to a leader in green innovation.
