CHENGDU, Oct. 17 (Xinhua) -- Reflecting on Chengdu, a metropolis in southwest China, I was often teleported to its vibrant teahouses, where the air is alive with the symphony of clinking tea cups and the cheerful clack of mahjong games. The city invariably invites a leisurely pace, urging one to savor its unique cultural tapestry.
Visiting Chengdu, however, I have encountered a more tangible manifestation of technological innovation in the city. It is woven into the fabric of daily life, addressing personal needs or offering solutions to elevating our quality of life.
At Birvice, a platform dedicated to turning scientific concepts and research outcomes into commercial production, I saw a plug-free bionic mosquito trap. This device employs cutting-edge bionic technology and advanced materials to replicate human respiration, effectively luring and trapping mosquitoes in an eco-friendly manner.
Among the products on display were a cooking robot that already serves at a popular restaurant chain in Chengdu and an acupuncture robot tailored for students of traditional Chinese medicine, assisting them in mastering needle techniques with real-time feedback on their precision, pressure, and therapeutic outcomes.
The successful commercialization of these scientific and technological innovations is underpinned by a substantial economic rationale -- turning a spark in science and technology into a real commodity ready for mass production.
All these innovations, though far from major breakthroughs, highlight Chengdu's push for economic transformation and support for hi-tech startups.
While being one of the most vibrant cities in western China, Chengdu's economic growth was dragged down by its geographical disadvantage. When imbalanced economic growth gradually became a striking issue between eastern and western regions, Chinese authorities initiated a slew of national strategies to help the vast underdeveloped western region catch up.
The large-scale development initiative launched around 2000 has pressed the fast-forward button for the development of the western region. After that, the Belt and Road Initiative has again significantly expanded market horizons for inland western cities like Chengdu. The establishment of the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor and the China-Europe freight train service has been pivotal in fostering connectivity and innovation, creating dynamic city clusters that bridge the gap between the east and the west.
Chengdu, the birthplace of "Science Fiction World," the world's most widely circulated science fiction magazine, and the host of the 81st World Science Fiction Convention, is taking a further step by strategically positioning itself at the vanguard of emerging industries.
During my two recent trips to the western region, I was repeatedly told that a significant hurdle for innovation here is the scarcity of skilled talent. Despite Southwest University of Science and Technology producing a substantial number of research talent annually, many opt to pursue opportunities in tech hubs like Shenzhen.
"Whereas before talent would gravitate towards industries, now industries are gravitating towards talent," remarked an official with the Chengdu High-tech Industrial Development Zone Administrative Committee. In response, Chengdu has developed a sci-tech innovation eco-island in the Tianfu New Area, tailored to the future industrial landscape, and is drawing talent back by establishing comprehensive industry chains.
Official data shows that Chengdu's population inflow has ranked third in the country over the past decade, only behind Shenzhen and Guangzhou. By the end of 2023, the permanent population of Chengdu had exceeded 21.4 million, marking a rise of 135,000 from a year ago. Notably, this demographic growth is fueled by a substantial influx of young, highly educated professionals.
Now the eco-island beckons a dynamic crowd of young researchers with its gleaming floor-to-ceiling windows, inviting lakeside bookstores, and a lively calendar of cycling and kayaking events.
"Here, the community spirit is palpable, offering a genuine sense of belonging. It's a place where the pursuit of a fulfilling life meets cutting-edge science, fostering an environment where researchers can thrive both personally and professionally," said Zhang Pengfei, deputy general manager of the eco-island's operator.
To me, this is where the future is tangible, and the next generation of innovators is eager to inscribe their stories. ■