An aerial view of Xiangzhou district. [Photo/WeChat account: zhxiangzhou]

Forty years ago, Zhuhai's journey as a special economic zone began in Xiangzhou. Today, this district has been entrusted with a new mission: to become a pioneering urban district in advancing Chinese modernization.

Xiangzhou has long played a major role in Zhuhai's development. Earlier this year, the municipality affirmed the zone's importance in building the city into a major growth pole in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, a major city on the west bank of the Pearl River Estuary, and a shining example of Chinese modernization. 

A view of Xiangzhou's vibrant city life. [Photo/WeChat account: zhxiangzhou]

Xiangzhou's pioneering character stems from the SEZ's long-standing spirit of reform and openness. From a small fishing village with minimal infrastructure, it transformed into a modern urban center by embracing institutional innovation, global engagement, and a people-centered development philosophy. These capabilities now provide essential momentum for its next stage of growth.

Facing new challenges — from industrial upgrading to policy conversion — Xiangzhou must again demonstrate innovative thinking and firm resolve. Its "one core, two wings, three belts" framework and the emerging "1+6+X" industrial system signal a strategic shift toward higher-quality, forward-looking development.

Innovative industries and smart infrastructure drive Xiangzhou's leap into the future. [Photo/WeChat account: zhxiangzhou]

As a bridge to Hong Kong and Macao, Xiangzhou aims not only to become a place where young people from Hong Kong and Macao can pursue their aspirations, but also to pioneer new mechanisms for coordinated investment promotion and industry–academia–research cooperation.