An aerial view of Horinger county in Hohhot, Inner Mongolia [Photo/WeChat account of Huoli Horinger]

Horinger county in Hohhot, capital city of North China's Inner Mongolia autonomous region, has been selected as part of the second batch of national innovative counties (cities) construction list, the first county in the city to receive this honor.

In May 2017, the General Office of the State Council issued "Several Opinions on Innovation-Driven Development in County Areas". It also deployed and promoted innovation-driven development in county areas, and proposed "building innovative counties (cities) in counties (cities) with conditions".

In August 2018, the Ministry of Science and Technology issued the "Guidelines for the Construction of Innovative Counties (Cities)", and decided to confirm batches of innovative counties (cities) across the country.

In recent years, based on the advantages of regional characteristic industries, Horinger has implemented an innovation-driven development strategy and rural vitalization strategy.

A total of 214 scientific and technological projects at all levels have been implemented. Meanwhile, investment in research and development has reached 184 million yuan ($26.48 million), and 44 innovative research and development platforms of various levels and types have been established in the county.