What is the tide?
The tide refers to the Qiantang River Tide, a marvel of both Hangzhou Bay and the entire world. The Qiantang River witnesses two tides each day, which surge all the way from the mouth of Hangzhou Bay to the intersection of the Qiantang River, the Fuchun River, and the Puyang River in Hangzhou.
What does the tide represent?
It’s like two “tide messages”, symbolizing the two daily exchanges between Hangzhou and the rest of the world. It is the voice of Hangzhou.
Upon the ceaseless surge of the Qiantang Tide, there is a brave vessel known as the “Boat of Xiaoshan”. Thanks to the geographical advantage of connecting the river to the sea, it inherently possesses the genes to bravely venture into the world. Much like the significance inherited from the single-log boat of the Kuahu Bridge, known as “China’s First Boat”, it embodies the audacious and fighting spirit to ride the tide and brave the “New World”, seeking out a new future. This is also the cultural DNA of Xiaoshan’s spirit of “competing persistently and standing at the forefront of the tide”. It has continuously created miracles, truly growing into a “giant economic vessel” sailing the vast ocean.
Since the Wealth Promotion Conference of the district in 1978, Xiaoshan has embarked on a new journey of entrepreneurship and innovation. Upholding the Xiaoshan spirit of “competing persistently and standing at the forefront of the tide”, a group of remarkable private entrepreneurs like Lu Guanqiu, upholding the entrepreneurial spirit of “being a boss during the day, sleeping on the floor at night”, and with their keen decision-making ability of “just doing it once the direction is right”, have created countless wonders. In early 2003, Xiaoshan successfully achieved an “industrial surge worth a hundred billion”, becoming the first county in the province to break into the national top 100. It was a shining moment for Xiaoshan’s “county economy”.
In the 20 years since the implementation of the “Double-Eight Strategy”, Xiaoshan has always remembered its mission. Standing on the “giant” shoulders of Greater Hangzhou, it has embarked on a new journey of integrating “industrialization, urbanization, and modernization”. In striving to be first-class, it has sought change and strength, constantly overtaking and forging ahead. The economic development model has transformed from a basic county economy to an urban economy driven by platforms. Through the positive interaction of urbanization and industrialization, it has opened up the framework of “industry-city-humanity” integrated development, and made a leap from a county town to a central district of an international metropolis, becoming a symbolic exemplary area of Hangzhou’s transition from the “West Lake Era” to the “Qiantang River Era”. Specifically, having served as the main venue for two major international events—the G20 Hangzhou Summit in 2016 and the current Hangzhou Asian Games—the city has made a striking debut on the global stage. The city's vitality has surged remarkably, unveiling a more confident, open, and modern Xiaoshan, which is progressively emerging within the development framework of Greater Hangzhou.
Reflecting on the most standout achievement of the past 20 years, the Qiantang River Innovation Belt, stretching from east to west across Xiaoshan, stands out as the linchpin of Xiaoshan’s economic trajectory. Notable industrial platforms such as the Xiaoshan Special Cooperation Park within Hangzhou High-Tech Zone (Binjiang), the Qiantang Sci-Tech City, and the Hangzhou Airport Economic Demonstration Zone have all adopted an “integrated” approach, addressing Xiaoshan’s fragmentation issues and catalyzing its high-quality growth.
The “Boat of Xiaoshan”, the main venue for the Hangzhou Asian Games, is charting a “new course”, seeking to exceed its past and extend its iconic status. As a core district of an international metropolis, Xiaoshan’s role in representing Hangzhou globally over the next 20 years is marked by both responsibility and potential. Starting anew, Xiaoshan will further enact the “Double-Eight Strategy”, capitalizing on opportunities from the Asian Games to elevate the city. It will utilize its “four major strengths” —the main venue for the Asian Games, strategic initiatives, strong private economy, and the inherent Xiaoshan spirit—to enhance its renowned features. It will also actively pursue new industrialization and urbanization, infusing traditional Chinese elements, with the aim of becoming an innovative model for regional development, Zhejiang-style modernization, and a world-class city center. Ultimately, Xiaoshan aims to pioneer a path that serves as a provincial exemplar and leads the nation.
The new journey has already begun. This is the new course for the “Boat of Xiaoshan”. With sails hoisted, it’s embarking on its voyage towards the future.