The integration of the production city is “melting” and the new vitality of the industrialization of the city

Abstract The rapid expansion of Yucheng County's urban area, along with the swift development of a 26-square-kilometer "Investment and Development Platform" across the Western, Northern, and Eastern Districts of the Industrial Cluster, has significantly boosted investment attraction and industrial agglomeration. In just the first three months of this year, the county demonstrated strong momentum in industrial transfer, successfully negotiating 32 projects and securing over 1.12 billion yuan in investments. Major projects such as Tianzhili Precision New Materials, Houde Diamond Technology, Hong Kong Yihetang Pharmaceutical, and Yuxiangyuan Wood Industry have already been established, with more than 9 billion yuan in industrial investments now active in the region.

Recently, Liu Lianchang, Secretary of the County Party Committee, shared insights at the newly built exhibition hall of the industrial cluster area: "Since 2009, the industrial cluster has continuously expanded from the original industrial park, reaching a planned total area of 26 square kilometers. The built-up area has grown by 14 times, driving comprehensive economic and social progress. The western area focuses on diamond superhard materials and pharmaceuticals, the northern part on logistics and tertiary industries, while the eastern area develops emerging industries. Fixed asset investment has increased by 269%, external capital utilization by 444%, and employment has grown by 6.7 times. It has become the core platform for industrial transfer and investment promotion, and a key driver for the county’s economic growth."

Capitalizing on the Central Plains Economic Zone construction, Yucheng has embraced an integrated approach between industry and urban development, promoting production through urbanization. Adhering to the "seven connections, one big and one beautiful" standards, the county has invested over 3 billion yuan in high-standard infrastructure projects, including road networks, green spaces, lighting, water supply, drainage, power, and communication systems. These facilities are seamlessly integrated with the city's infrastructure. Additionally, the county has established an industrial service center, sewage treatment plants, human resources centers, training institutions, a provincial diamond testing center, employee apartments, and other supporting facilities.

Currently, the built-up area has reached 10.2 square kilometers, with a significant improvement in project capacity. In 2012, 22 projects exceeding 100 million yuan were launched, including six over 500 million and three over 1 billion. Key projects like the Diamond Industrial Park, Jin Rui Diamond Tools, Spring Science and Technology, Houde Diamond, and Zhengxin Diamond Technology have attracted over 5 billion yuan in total investment. With the completion of the Diamond Industrial Park, Yucheng is set to elevate its diamond industry through expanding production scale, extending the product chain, and enhancing R&D of high-end products.

To promote the interactive development of industrial clusters and urban areas, the county has taken the construction of Yangtze River New City as a foundation, focusing on creating a health city, garden city, and civilized city. Through the implementation of the "two districts, two belts, one ring, one network, and one city" project, it aims to build a modern, civilized, ecological, and livable city that complements the industrial cluster area. This integration fosters a mutually reinforcing pattern where urban development supports industrial growth and vice versa.