In recent years, China’s rapidly evolving economy has seen the rise of numerous cities transforming from industrial hubs to innovation-driven powerhouses 中山定點. Among them, Zhongshan—an often-overlooked city in Guangdong province—has steadily emerged as a key player in the country’s broader economic transformation. With a strategic focus on innovation, infrastructure, and industrial development, Zhongshan’s “Fixed Point” concept is garnering increasing attention as a crucial engine for regional growth.
But what exactly does “Zhongshan Fixed Point” mean, and why is it so important for the city and the surrounding region?
The Birth of the “Fixed Point”
The “Fixed Point” (定点) initiative in Zhongshan refers to a focused, long-term development strategy aimed at creating specific zones or sectors where the city’s resources, talents, and policies are concentrated to drive sustainable growth and innovation. Rather than spreading efforts thinly across a broad range of industries, the Fixed Point strategy allows Zhongshan to double down on areas with high potential—such as advanced manufacturing, technology, and green energy—thereby ensuring a steady and robust foundation for economic development.
This initiative is based on the concept of “targeted growth”—a concept where the city can leverage its existing industrial strengths while also nurturing emerging industries, creating a synergetic effect that propels regional development.
A Hub for Innovation and Technology
Zhongshan’s Fixed Point strategy is particularly focused on innovation-driven development. As China’s “Made in China 2025” plan seeks to move away from low-cost, labor-intensive manufacturing toward higher-value-added, high-tech industries, Zhongshan has positioned itself at the intersection of this transformation. The city is making substantial investments in high-tech sectors such as robotics, artificial intelligence, clean energy, and smart manufacturing.
One of the driving forces behind this initiative is Zhongshan’s investment in research and development (R&D). The city has seen the establishment of multiple technology parks and incubators aimed at nurturing startups and attracting global talent in fields ranging from biotechnology to smart electronics. With a commitment to creating a favorable environment for tech companies, Zhongshan has managed to attract both domestic and international businesses, making it an innovation-friendly ecosystem.
Moreover, Zhongshan’s geographic location within the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Greater Bay Area (GBA) enhances its competitiveness. As part of China’s ambitious vision for the GBA, Zhongshan is strategically positioned to tap into the region’s vast networks of knowledge, capital, and talent. The Fixed Point strategy allows Zhongshan to act as a bridge between the manufacturing base of southern China and the more advanced tech hubs of Hong Kong and Shenzhen, making it a natural location for collaborative innovation across industries.
Industrial Upgrading: A New Phase of Economic Growth
While Zhongshan’s Fixed Point strategy has a clear focus on innovation and technology, it also encompasses industrial upgrading. Zhongshan is home to a diverse array of industries, from traditional sectors like electronics and household appliances to emerging fields like electric vehicles (EVs) and robotics. The Fixed Point concept encourages the upgrading of existing industries through automation, digitization, and enhanced production processes.
This industrial evolution is particularly important in the context of China’s ongoing push to reduce its dependence on low-end manufacturing and foster more sustainable economic growth. Zhongshan’s industrial parks are evolving from traditional manufacturing zones to smart production clusters, where advanced technologies like artificial intelligence, big data analytics, and the Internet of Things (IoT) are seamlessly integrated into the production process.
As part of the strategy, Zhongshan is also creating a more conducive environment for foreign investment, bringing in global companies with advanced manufacturing techniques and expertise. The city has built up a robust supply chain for key industries like electronics, home appliances, and automotive components, which not only provides jobs but also contributes significantly to the region’s GDP.
Sustainability: The Green Dimension
Another critical element of the Zhongshan Fixed Point strategy is sustainability. As global awareness of climate change and environmental challenges grows, Zhongshan has committed to green development in line with China’s goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2060. The city is actively investing in green energy solutions, such as solar power, wind energy, and electric vehicle infrastructure.
Zhongshan’s Fixed Point approach helps to align industrial development with environmental sustainability, ensuring that new and existing industries contribute to a low-carbon future. For example, the city’s smart manufacturing initiatives are powered by energy-efficient systems, and its green building policies are designed to reduce carbon footprints across new infrastructure projects.
Moreover, Zhongshan is leveraging its natural resources and promoting eco-friendly industries, such as green building materials and sustainable agriculture. As the city strengthens its commitment to environmental goals, it is positioning itself as a leading example of how economic growth and ecological sustainability can go hand-in-hand.
The Road Ahead: Challenges and Opportunities
Despite its ambitious development agenda, Zhongshan, like any city, faces challenges in fully realizing the potential of its Fixed Point strategy. Among the hurdles are competition from nearby cities like Shenzhen and Guangzhou, which are already established tech and manufacturing centers. Zhongshan will need to continue refining its industrial policies, improving talent retention, and ensuring a robust infrastructure to compete effectively.
Additionally, as the global economy faces uncertainty, Zhongshan’s strategy will require adaptability to market shifts, trade dynamics, and evolving technological trends. However, with its emphasis on innovation, sustainability, and industrial upgrading, Zhongshan is well-positioned to not only overcome these challenges but also carve out its own niche in China’s economic landscape.
Conclusion
Zhongshan’s Fixed Point strategy represents a bold vision for the future of regional development in China. By focusing on key sectors like technology, advanced manufacturing, and sustainability, the city is laying the groundwork for long-term growth and innovation. As it continues to attract talent, investment, and partnerships, Zhongshan will undoubtedly play a central role in the transformation of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Greater Bay Area into a global innovation powerhouse. The city’s Fixed Point approach is a model of how targeted, strategic investments can transform a region into a hub for economic and technological advancement, offering valuable lessons for cities around the world.