Guiyang, the capital of Guizhou Province, is experiencing an industrial renaissance that is transforming the manufacturing sector at an unprecedented pace. The city, long focused on optimising its industrial structure, is doubling down on the development of four key industrial bases, which now serve as the primary driving force behind its economic growth. A particular emphasis on renewable energy has placed Guiyang at the forefront of China’s burgeoning new energy sector, positioning it as a key national hub for power battery and materials research, development, and production.
One of the most significant milestones in this transformation came in October 2023, with the launch of the CATL (Guizhou) New Energy Power and Energy Storage Battery Production Base in Gui’an New Area. The first phase of the facility, boasting state-of-the-art “lighthouse + zero carbon factory” design standards, is a testament to Guiyang’s commitment to innovation and environmental sustainability. Equipped with advanced, high-speed automated production lines, the plant is set to produce up to 30 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of battery capacity annually. When fully operational, it is expected to generate an annual output value of 15 billion yuan. The base has already made a strong impact, recording an industrial output value of 618 million yuan in the first half of 2024, with projections indicating a full-year value of approximately 2 billion yuan.
The city’s industrial drive also extends to the burgeoning new energy vehicle (NEV) sector. The Chery (Guizhou) industrial base has made significant strides in this area, particularly with the development of its new-generation light truck, the CHEVOO KL71. The factory features a digital intelligent manufacturing system, incorporating advanced pressing, welding, painting, and assembly lines, as well as a dedicated R&D lab. This cutting-edge facility not only produces NEVs but also strengthens the supply chain for key components, helping to reduce development costs and boost competitiveness in the sector.
Another major player in Guiyang’s industrial landscape is BYD, whose Gui’an FinDreams battery project has been instrumental in driving the city’s leadership in NEV power batteries. The FinDreams Battery Co. Ltd., located in Longshan Industrial Park, operates four high-speed automatic production lines and produces the renowned “blade batteries” that have become a benchmark in the industry. With the capacity to produce up to 40,000 cells and 300 battery packs per day, this facility plays a vital role in meeting the growing demand for high-performance batteries in electric vehicles.
Guiyang’s focus on establishing four major industrial bases — including those dedicated to new energy vehicles, battery materials, resource deep processing, and computing power — has had a measurable impact on the city’s industrial economy. In the first three quarters of 2024, Guiyang’s industrial enterprises saw a notable 11% growth in value-added output, with the industrial economy contributing a significant 39.4% to overall economic growth.
As these projects continue to unfold, Guiyang is set to solidify its position as a leader in new energy, advanced manufacturing, and the rapidly growing NEV sector, with far-reaching implications for both its economy and China’s broader industrial strategy.
