Linfen, an industrial city in Shanxi province, has seen steady, strong growth in past years, with GDP growth ranking top in the province, according to its mayor, who vows to pursue high-quality development by accelerating the provision of modern services.

Mayor Wang Yanfeng said Linfen achieved its best performance in nearly 20 years last year, with its GDP jumping 7.6 percent year-on-year to 231.25 billion yuan ($31.85 billion), up from 145.26 billion yuan in 2019, before the COVID-19 pandemic reined in economic activity.

That GDP growth rate ranked first among the 11 cities in the province, he said.

In the first quarter of this year, Linfen's growth rates for eight key economic indicators led the province, with GDP continuing to grow at a rate of 7 percent.

"Since 2020, Linfen has been planning and implementing a productivity layout and industrial planning strategy based on its topography, resource endowment, location advantages, industrial foundation and comparative advantages," Wang said.

"We have focused on optimizing the spatial layout for transformation and development through the three major sectors: along the Fenhe and Yellow rivers, as well as along the Taihang Mountains."

In the sector along the Fenhe River, the city has prioritized the development of high-end equipment manufacturing, the cultural and creative industries, and future industries.

It is also accelerating the development of modern services, modern agriculture and suburban economies.

"By continuously optimizing the industrial layout of the three major sectors and promoting comprehensive transformation across the region, Linfen's industrial development is gradually showing characteristics of green and low-carbon initiatives, intensive development, digital empowerment and improved quality and efficiency," Wang said.

In the intelligent control center of Shanxi Shenglong Taida New Energy in Linfen's Guxian county, a large screen shows images of real-time operation, production monitoring data, personnel positioning and emission control information.

Staff members can control the coking production process by touching the screen.

Technicians test equipment on a PC production line at an intelligent manufacturing base in Linfen, Shanxi province, in April. YAN RUIPENG/FOR CHINA DAILY

Intelligent upgrades have greatly improved efficiency and safety, while energy consumption and emissions have decreased and the industrial chain has been further extended.

"The company is a microcosm of Linfen's efforts to promote the transformation and upgrading of traditional industries," Wang said.

"In recent years, Linfen has accelerated the intelligent equipment upgrades and digital technology transformations in traditional industries such as coal, coking and steel, enhancing the quality of the extended chain and increasing the proportion of advanced production capacity."

Currently, the proportion of advanced coal production capacity stands at 89 percent, with advanced coking capacity reaching 11 million metric tons.

As a strong engine driving economic development, attracting investment is the lifeline running through Linfen's economic work.

The city signed deals last year for 248 projects with a total investment of 155.5 billion yuan, and it has been rated China's investment hot spot city for two consecutive years.

"To create a favorable business environment, we have introduced a series of policy measures, such as pushing for approval processes to align with the shortest timelines nationwide," Wang said.

"We also set up a complaint and reporting supervision hotline, which has achieved completion rates and satisfaction levels above 98 percent."