An urban integrated service application known as "Lyuliangtong", which targets local residents, is launched at the 3rd Lyuliang Big Data Industry Development Promotion on Aug 18. [Photo/Xinhua]

Seizing on opportunities brought about by the national strategy of big data development, Lyuliang has in recent years been boosting its big data industry as an important measure to promote economic transformation and high-quality growth. 

It has made great progress in the construction of big data facilities, attracting talents and professionals, the application, promotion and integration of big data, and industrial upgrading.

The city's broadband coverage rate exceeds 90 percent and some public areas have access to 5G networks. Big data centers such as the Lyuliang Tianhe-2 Cloud Computing Center, the Lyuliang Unicom Cloud Computing Center, and the Huawei Shanxi (Lyuliang) Big Data Center have already begun operating.

A big data expert advisory committee composed of 31 experts has been established in the city to offer think tank support for the local big data industry. Luliang University and the Beijing Institute of Technology have jointly built a big data industry innovation and research institute, which started enrolling students into its big data major this year. The big data institute established by the Lvliang Polytechnic Institute along with Beihang University and internet giant Tencent has been cultivating skilled students in big data. 

Lyuliang has set up a big data application bureau as to handle the application, promotion, and integration of big data. The big data-based smart environmental protection project has improved the city's air quality, and it is now among the 11 cleanest cities in Shanxi province. Local enterprises such as Shanxi Liliu Coking Group and Zhongyang Iron and Steel Co have been promoting the application of big data to advance the transformation and upgrading of traditional industries.

Other big data companies, such as Uhope Communication Technology Co of Zhejiang province and Sowers Co of Beijing, have decided to invest and establish branches in Lyuliang. A series of local big data companies have sprung up as well.

In the future, Lyuliang plans to continue developing a big data hub by building a more influential communication platform, promoting more practical applications, offering more preferential policies, and creating a better business environment, according to Li Zhengyin, Party chief of the city.