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A hydrogen energy storage power generation vehicle is parked in Jiaxing, Zhejiang province. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Jiaxing's traditional manufacturing sector surged in 2024, posting an added value of 181.94 billion yuan ($25.13 billion) — the second highest in Zhejiang province — with a 13.3 percent growth rate that led the province.

The city's aggressive push for automation and sustainability is reshaping its industrial landscape. Initiatives like "machines replacing workers" are driving efficiency, while digital and green upgrades are making legacy industries leaner and smarter.

Last year alone, Jiaxing rolled out 2,679 modernization projects, cutting energy use by 405,000 metric tons of coal and water consumption by 867,000 tons. These efforts unlocked 97.79 billion yuan in manufacturing investment, the second highest in Zhejiang.

Jiaxing is also doubling down on its heritage industries — silk, rice dumplings, and yellow rice wine. A new policy is fueling this revival, backing businesses with stronger supply chains, innovation incentives, and targeted growth strategies.