Majestic Gu Mountain, Huguan.	A statue of Emperor Yandi.

Changzhi city, on the summit of Taihang Mountain, is a city of great heroes both mythical and modern. Imbued with ancient central-plains culture, it is where the Chinese Communist Party established its first base.

Changzhi was first awarded county status during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). In 2004 it was named one of China’s most enchanting cities, by virtue of its grandness and elegance. It is also one of north China’s main industrial cities.

Guo Hailiang, Changzhi municipal Party committee secretary, is intent on actualizing his vision of Changzhi as “a vital, charming and harmonious city.” Changzhi’s total output value for the year 2006 was an impressive RMB 46.04 billion Yuan, and its stable industrial foundation and diverse and flourishing enterprises have provided ample support for the city’s sustainable development.

“Expansion of quantity is only one aspect of Changzhi’s development; maintaining quality is key to enhancing the city’s competitiveness,” reflects secretary Guo Hailiang. He is all too aware that wasteful exploitation of resources and environmental pollution are serious impediments to Changzhi’s rapid economic development. In September 2006, and after much research, analysis and discussion, the Changzhi municipal government agreed to change its approach to achieving rapid development by promoting new style industry and making Changzhi a characteristic city of industrial agriculture.

Guo Hailiang sees this new comprehensive strategy, which encompasses the city’s economy, politics, culture and society, as the fruit of work by successive municipal Party committees. It is a surefire route to Changzhi’s harmonious development during the Eleventh Five-Year Plan period.

Guo Hailiang and the Changzhi city leaders intend to achieve their aim by focusing on Changzhi’s ecology while honing its economic acumen. They have launched a five-year plan with this in mind. Changzhi’s 1500-year history is living proof of its capacity for innovation and sustained success.