Anting transforms from auto hub to diversified economic powerhouse

Anting, a town in Shanghai's Jiading district, is undergoing a strategic transformation from an automotive manufacturing center into a diversified industrial hub, fueled by major investments aimed at attracting high-value headquarters and emerging industries.

The move represents a deliberate effort to reduce its reliance on the automotive sector and foster a more resilient economic landscape.

Despite a robust automotive sector that generated 185.06 billion yuan ($25.83 billion) in output in 2024, Anting faces challenges common to traditional industrial areas, including slowing growth. Local authorities are actively addressing these issues by expanding the town's industrial base.

A significant development in this diversification strategy is the establishment of Guyihuang Jade's health industry headquarters, accompanied by related projects representing an investment of more than 2 billion yuan.

The headquarters will focus on Guyu stone, a resource from Yunnan province with applications in health, medical aesthetics, household chemicals, and textiles. It will also house research and development, testing, and production facilities, as well as a hot spring and a health resort.

The resort is projected to generate annual revenue exceeding 10 billion yuan.

"The project aligns with Anting's broader health industry development plans in recent years," said a representative from Anting town.

The Guyihuang Jade project complements Anting's existing focus on cell therapy, medical devices, medical aesthetics and anti-aging.

Companies such as Delytose Biotech, EffePharm, and Huaxing Mitochondrial Life Science are exploring innovative technologies in alternative sweeteners, nicotinamide mononucleotide, and mitochondrial regeneration, respectively.

Together, these projects are helping to build a diversified ecosystem for Anting's health industry.

Beyond health, Anting's strategic location, comprehensive ecosystem, and innovation platforms have attracted additional headquarters projects, including a national brand supply chain center for food, agricultural products, and consumer goods.

Supported by infrastructure improvements, such as the extension of Metro Line 14, along with targeted government assistance, Anting's industrial enterprises above designated size — with an annual revenue of 20 million yuan or more — generated 225.62 billion yuan in output in 2024.