Xinghua, a county-level city in Jiangsu province, has outlined plans for 2026 following a robust 2025 performance. The city aims to sustain a 5.3 percent GDP growth rate, building on its 2025 achievement of 128.8 billion yuan ($18.56 billion) in GDP, a 5.5 percent increase over the previous year.
Xinghua, a county-level city in Taizhou, Jiangsu province. [Photo/WeChat account: xinghuafabu]
Economic resilience and industrial strength
Xinghua's industrial sector remains the backbone of its economy. In 2025, the city recorded 119.6 billion yuan in industrial output from companies above designated size — those with annual revenue of at least 20 million yuan, an 8 percent year-on-year rise. Industrial added value from companies above designated size reached 20.8 billion yuan, up 7.5 percent. The city is accelerating upgrades in stainless steel, health food, and emerging industries, targeting high-tech transformation and smart manufacturing.
Investment and project momentum
Xinghua's investment landscape flourished in 2025, with 56 major projects signed and 40 launched, each worth at least 500 million yuan. The city attracted $126 million in foreign capital and achieved $1.35 billion in import-export volume. For 2026, it prioritizes targeted recruitment, eco-friendly project development, and the optimization of implementation mechanisms to sustain investment flow.
Consumption and tourism surge
Consumer spending and tourism are also growth engines. In 2025, retail sales reached 39 billion yuan, a 3 percent year-on-year increase, while tourism revenue soared to 5.86 billion yuan, a 14.2 percent increase, driven by nearly 8.77 million visitors. The city plans to boost service sector development, foster entrepreneurship, and enhance tourism offerings, aiming to elevate consumer confidence and market vitality.
Sustainable development and social progress
Xinghua is also advancing green initiatives, including 1,650 mu (110 hectares) of afforestation and 19 provincial green factories. Social welfare remains a priority, with expanded access to healthcare, education upgrades, and support for elderly and youth welfare.
As Xinghua enters 2026, its strategy balances economic vigor with inclusivity, positioning it as a model for sustainable development in the region.