The service sector economy in Rudong county, Nantong, East China's Jiangsu province, demonstrated a steady improvement in the first half of this year, with the added value of the service sector reaching 31.27 billion yuan ($4.31 billion), a year-on-year growth of 7.1 percent, the highest growth rate in the city.

A total of 290 key industry service enterprises above designated size in the county achieved a business revenue of 3.59 billion yuan, a significant increase of 19.8 percent compared to the same period last year. This growth rate ranks first in the city, outperforming the county average by 15.4 percentage points.

During the period, the county also added 48 new service companies above designated size, the second-highest increase in Nantong.

The steady revival of consumer spending was a result of Rudong's strong commercial sector. This year, the county witnessed the opening of Shangheyinxiang, the first lifestyle shopping street in Rudong. Spanning about 23,000 square meters, the street houses 101 shops, creating an appealing shopping destination for residents.

Moreover, Xirun City, the county's first commercial complex integrating diverse formats such as dining, entertainment, recreation, and retail, also commenced operations this year.

"The complex features around 60 percent of the county debut brands, including renowned names like Wanda Cinema and Heytea. Additionally, an indoor 8,500-square-meter space-fantasy-themed amusement park offers an all-inclusive interactive gaming platform, delivering an immersive entertainment experience for visitors," said Yuan Xin, general manager of Xirun City.

Moving forward, the county will strengthen efforts to attract more service sector projects, further boosting the development of the service industry, said Yao Xufeng, deputy director of the county development and reform commission.

An aerial view of Xirun City. [Photo/WeChat account: rudongfb]