An aerial view of Datong city with autumn colors. [Photo/Yellow River News]

On Nov 1, the Shanxi Provincial Publicity Department and the Shanxi Provincial Government Information Office held the 10th press conference in the series "Promoting High-Quality Development and Deepening All-Round Transformation". The focus was on Datong, which has proactively embraced its mission to integrate with the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region and strive to become a regional "gateway" city.

Datong has set ambitious goals, including "Striving for Two Five-Year Plans and Entering the First Tier" and following a "Four-Step Transformation Strategy" in key sectors like advanced manufacturing, energy, agriculture, and cultural tourism. The city is accelerating its opening up and plans to launch international flights to Hong Kong, Macao, and Southeast Asia by the end of this year.

In terms of industry, Datong is focused on upgrading traditional sectors, fostering new production capabilities, and ensuring a smooth transition between old and new growth engines. The city has embraced renewable energy and is developing cutting-edge energy storage projects while positioning itself as a leader in the growing data center industry.

Datong is moving forward in the cultural and tourism sectors. It aims to become an "international tourism city" by leveraging its ancient cultural heritage and modern infrastructure. Investments in transportation and technology infrastructure are also boosting its connectivity and global trade potential.

As part of its growth strategy, Datong also attracts high-level talent, offering incentives to strengthen its workforce and further enhance its economic development.