Hebei Leads in Computing Power Index: Langfang and Zhangjiakou Drive National Leadership

Hebei Province is positioning itself as a national leader in computing power,with its comprehensive infrastructure ranking first in the country. This achievement underscores the region’s commitment to advancing its digital economy and fostering innovation. Governor Wang Zhengpu unveiled this vision during the opening ceremony of the third plenary session of the 14th Hebei Provincial People’s Congress, emphasizing the province’s focus on transforming cities like Langfang and Zhangjiakou into computing power hubs.

The annual “two sessions” in Hebei bring together lawmakers and political advisers to review the province’s socioeconomic progress and outline strategies for future growth. This year’s meetings, held from sunday to Thursday, highlighted hebei’s remarkable strides in computing capacity, storage capabilities, and network efficiency. These advancements are critical to supporting emerging technologies such as autonomous vehicles, smart homes, and intelligent search engines.

“In the era of the digital economy, computing power is becoming a cornerstone of productivity, much like electricity was during the industrial revolution,” said Qin Hongjun, a deputy to the Hebei Provincial People’s Congress and chairman of the Hebei subsidiary of China Mobile Communications Group. Qin emphasized the importance of robust computing infrastructure in driving technological innovation and economic growth.

Hebei’s computing power infrastructure is already making waves. By the end of 2023, the province had deployed over 3.9 million servers, accounting for nearly 69% of the total computing power in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region. Cities like Langfang and Zhangjiakou are at the forefront of this transformation,with Zhangjiakou operationalizing 30 data centre projects and 1.6 million servers, achieving a computing power scale of approximately 22,800 petaflops by October 2024. Langfang, conversely, has established 32 data centers and 316,000 standard cabinets, reaching an intelligent computing power scale of 8,559 petaflops by December.

Beyond its computing power achievements, Hebei has also made notable economic progress. Governor Wang highlighted that the province’s major economic indicators surpassed the national average in 2024. Key achievements include an estimated GDP growth of 5.2%, a 6% increase in total imports and exports, and a 5.5% rise in per capita disposable income. Notably, exports of electric vehicles, lithium batteries, and photovoltaic products surged by an impressive 97%.

Looking ahead, Hebei aims to accelerate the growth of emerging industrial clusters. The province plans to bolster sectors such as integrated circuits, network security, biopharmaceuticals, power equipment, and safety emergency equipment. According to the government work report, the high-end equipment industry and the electronic data industry are projected to reach scales exceeding 1.2 trillion yuan, further solidifying Hebei’s position as a leader in innovation and economic development.

Hebei’s Ambitious Leap into the Digital Economy: Computing Hubs and Economic Transformation

Hebei Province, a region historically known for its industrial roots, is now making waves in the digital economy. with a strategic focus on computing power and industrial innovation, Hebei is positioning itself as a leader in China’s technological revolution. The province’s recent initiatives to establish Langfang and Zhangjiakou as national computing hubs are at the heart of this transformation, signaling a bold shift away from conventional industries toward a future driven by high-tech innovation.

Langfang and Zhangjiakou: The New Pillars of hebei’s Digital Economy

Langfang and Zhangjiakou, two cities strategically located near Beijing, are set to become the backbone of Hebei’s digital ambitions. These regions are being developed as national computing hubs, leveraging their proximity to the capital and their growing technological infrastructure. The move is part of Hebei’s broader strategy to diversify its economy and reduce reliance on traditional sectors like manufacturing and heavy industry.

Dr. Li Wei, Chief Economist at the Hebei Institute of Technology and Innovation, emphasizes the importance of this initiative. “The development of Langfang and Zhangjiakou as computing hubs is not just about enhancing computing power,” he explains. “It’s about creating a foundation for innovation and new productive forces that can drive enduring growth.”

Economic Growth and the Role of Computing Hubs

Hebei’s economic performance has been impressive, with a GDP growth rate of 5.2 percent in recent years. The province has also seen significant increases in imports, exports, and disposable income. The computing hubs are expected to play a pivotal role in sustaining this growth by attracting investment, creating high-paying jobs, and stimulating related industries such as artificial intelligence, big data, and cloud computing.

Dr. Li Wei highlights the broader impact of these hubs. “By focusing on high-tech industries, Hebei is diversifying its economic base and reducing reliance on traditional sectors,” he says. “This will not onyl boost GDP growth but also improve the standard of living for residents, as reflected in the increase in disposable income.”

Strategies for Success: Collaboration, Education, and sustainability

To ensure the success of the computing hubs, Hebei is prioritizing several key strategies. One of the moast critical is fostering collaboration between the government, academia, and the private sector. This approach ensures that the hubs are not only technologically advanced but also commercially viable.

Investing in education and training programs is another essential component. “Developing a skilled workforce is crucial for the long-term success of these hubs,” Dr. Li Wei notes. Additionally,creating a business-friendly environment that encourages innovation and entrepreneurship is vital. Lasting practices are also being integrated into the development process to ensure long-term environmental and economic benefits.

Challenges and the Path Forward

Despite the promising outlook, the development of the computing hubs is not without challenges. Managing the rapid pace of development while ensuring equitable distribution of benefits is a significant concern. The fast-evolving nature of the tech industry also poses a risk of technological obsolescence.

Dr. Li Wei offers insights into addressing these challenges. “It will be crucial to maintain a balance between rapid development and equitable growth,” he says. “Additionally, staying ahead of technological advancements and fostering a culture of continuous innovation will be key to overcoming these hurdles.”

Conclusion: A New Era for hebei

Hebei’s transformation into a digital economy powerhouse is well underway. By investing in computing hubs and fostering innovation, the province is setting a benchmark for sustainable and inclusive growth. As Langfang and Zhangjiakou evolve into national computing hubs, Hebei is not only diversifying its economy but also paving the way for a brighter, more technologically advanced future.

As Dr. Li Wei aptly puts it, “This is about creating a foundation for innovation and new productive forces that can drive enduring growth.” With its ambitious plans and strategic focus, hebei is poised to become a leader in China’s digital economy, offering valuable lessons for other regions aiming to achieve similar transformations.

Unlocking the Potential of Hebei’s Computing Hubs: A Path to Economic Transformation

Hebei province is on the brink of a technological revolution, with its computing hubs poised to reshape its economic landscape. These hubs, designed to foster innovation and adaptability, are more than just infrastructure projects—thay are catalysts for long-term growth and competitiveness in a rapidly evolving digital world.

According to Dr.Li Wei, a leading expert in regional development, “implementing robust regulatory frameworks and continuous monitoring systems is essential to ensure the success of these initiatives.” He emphasizes that fostering a culture of innovation will enable Hebei to stay ahead of technological trends and secure its position as a leader in the digital economy.

The impact of these computing hubs extends beyond technology. They are expected to drive job creation, attract investment, and enhance the province’s global standing. As Dr. Li Wei notes, “Hebei’s computing hubs have the potential to considerably impact the province’s economic landscape.” This optimism is shared by many who see these projects as a cornerstone of Hebei’s future prosperity.

Looking ahead, the province’s commitment to innovation and adaptability will be critical. By embracing cutting-edge technologies and fostering collaboration between public and private sectors, Hebei can unlock new opportunities and overcome challenges. As Dr. Li Wei aptly puts it, “I am optimistic about Hebei’s future and look forward to contributing to its continued success.”

As these initiatives unfold in the coming years, Hebei’s computing hubs will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in shaping the province’s economic trajectory.By staying ahead of technological advancements and fostering a culture of innovation, Hebei is well-positioned to thrive in the digital age.

What are the key strategies Hebei is employing to ensure the success of its computing hubs?

Interview with Dr. Li Wei, Chief Economist at the Hebei Institute of Technology and Innovation

Conducted by Archyde News

Archyde News: Dr. Li Wei, thank you for joining us today. Hebei Province has been making headlines for its ambitious leap into the digital economy,particularly with the development of computing hubs in Langfang and Zhangjiakou. Can you start by explaining why computing power has become such a critical focus for Hebei?

Dr. Li Wei: Thank you for having me. Computing power is the backbone of the digital economy, much like electricity was for the industrial revolution. In today’s world, emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, autonomous vehicles, and smart cities rely heavily on robust computing infrastructure. Hebei’s focus on computing power is a strategic move to position itself as a leader in China’s technological conversion. By investing in this area, we’re not only supporting current industries but also laying the groundwork for future innovations that will drive economic growth and improve quality of life.

Archyde News: Langfang and Zhangjiakou are being developed as national computing hubs. What makes these cities uniquely suited for this role?

Dr. Li Wei: Langfang and Zhangjiakou are strategically located near Beijing, which gives them access to a wealth of resources, talent, and investment opportunities. Zhangjiakou, for instance, has already operationalized 30 data centre projects and 1.6 million servers, achieving a computing power scale of approximately 22,800 petaflops. Langfang, conversely, has established 32 data centers and 316,000 standard cabinets, reaching an intelligent computing power scale of 8,559 petaflops. These cities also benefit from favorable climatic conditions, which reduce cooling costs for data centers, and their proximity to Beijing allows for seamless integration into the broader beijing-Tianjin-Hebei economic zone.

Archyde News: Hebei’s economic performance has been impressive, with GDP growth of 5.2% and a surge in exports of electric vehicles, lithium batteries, and photovoltaic products. How do these computing hubs contribute to this growth?

Dr. Li Wei: The computing hubs are catalysts for economic diversification and growth. By attracting investment in high-tech industries, they create high-paying jobs and stimulate related sectors such as AI, big data, and cloud computing. For example, the high-end equipment industry and the electronic data industry are projected to reach scales exceeding 1.2 trillion yuan. This not only boosts GDP but also enhances the province’s competitiveness on a national and global scale. Additionally, the hubs support the development of smart technologies, which are increasingly integrated into industries like manufacturing, agriculture, and healthcare, further driving productivity and innovation.

Archyde News: What strategies is Hebei employing to ensure the success of these computing hubs?

Dr. Li Wei: Collaboration is key. The government, academia, and private sector are working closely to ensure that the hubs are both technologically advanced and commercially viable. We’re also investing heavily in education and training programs to develop a skilled workforce capable of meeting the demands of the digital economy. Creating a business-amiable environment that encourages innovation and entrepreneurship is another priority. sustainability is at the core of our strategy. We’re integrating green practices into the development process to ensure long-term environmental and economic benefits.

Archyde News: What challenges does Hebei face in this transformation, and how can they be addressed?

Dr.Li Wei: one of the biggest challenges is managing the rapid pace of development while ensuring equitable distribution of benefits. We must ensure that the economic gains from these hubs are shared across the province,not just concentrated in a few cities. Another challenge is the fast-evolving nature of the tech industry, which poses a risk of technological obsolescence.To address this, we need to foster a culture of continuous innovation and stay ahead of technological advancements. Collaboration with global tech leaders and investment in research and development will be crucial.

Archyde News: Looking ahead, what does the future hold for Hebei’s digital economy?

Dr.Li Wei: The future is incredibly promising. Hebei is on track to become a national leader in computing power and innovation. The computing hubs in Langfang and Zhangjiakou are just the beginning. as we continue to develop these hubs and expand into emerging industrial clusters like integrated circuits, biopharmaceuticals, and network security, Hebei will solidify its position as a hub of technological and economic progress. This transformation will not only drive economic growth but also improve the standard of living for residents, creating a more prosperous and sustainable future for the province.

Archyde News: Dr. Li Wei, thank you for sharing your insights. It’s clear that Hebei’s ambitious leap into the digital economy is a transformative journey with immense potential.

Dr. Li Wei: Thank you. It’s an exciting time for hebei, and I’m confident that with the right strategies and collaboration, we’ll achieve our vision of becoming a national leader in the digital economy.

End of Interview