1、1The Industrial Rejuvenation of an Old Urban DistrictDADONG District lies in what was the former site of the Qing imperial court ?C Shenyang ?C before the Manchu royal family gained national control and moved into Beijings Forbidden City in 1644. Nestled in this center of the Manchu civilization, Da
2、dong boasts a rich historic and cultural legacy of the Manchu people. The modern history of the district, however, outshines its reputation as the cradle of Chinas national industry, which dates back more than a century. In the current drive to “rejuvenate old industrial bases,” Dadong has reestabli
3、shed its industrial eminence, and sustained it with its flourishing auto industry (cars, and spares and parts as well), defense contractors, electro-mechanic manufacturing, new metallurgical materials processing, chemical pharmaceuticals, and food-related industries. Consolidating the Auto Industry
4、2Car making is primary to the economic development of the district. Its three leading manufacturers ?C Shenyang Brilliance Jinbei Automobile Co., Ltd., BMW Brilliance Automotive Co., Ltd., and Shanghai GM (Shenyang) Norsom Motors Co., Ltd. ?C have maintained a steady momentum of dynamic growth for y
5、ears. According to preliminary studies, the three automakers combined produced upwards of 320,000 cars in 2009, with a total output value of RMB 36.8 billion. The auto industry contributed 24 percent of Dadongs tax revenues. Now the districts auto base has been expanded into a municipal economic edg
6、e. Based on Dadongs car making facilities, Shenyangs compact automobile industrial zone has passed a feasibility study and is edging further out in the eastern part of the city. In the zone, models of the new BMW X5 series are rolling off the production line; the BMW F18 and Jinbei Class-A projects
7、are proceeding smoothly as scheduled; Shanghai GM is focused on upgrading its Buick GL8 executive wagon. Dadong has taken hold of the opportunities provided by the municipal auto ambition to transform itself into an advanced “auto district,” for not only Liaoning Province, but for the whole country.
8、 It is pressing toward this goal by planning an 3integrated auto zone in eastern Shenyang of the highest international standards. Apart from big name car producers, it is also wooing spares and parts manufacturers to complete the industrial chain. Now the district has seen the coming of South Koreas
9、 POSCO ?C one of the worlds largest steel makers, which has started construction of an automobile steel plate project. Shanghai-based Baosteel is meantime busy with the expansion of its Dadong plant. Dadong is eyeing on a modern auto industry complex complete with auto manufacturing, logistics, spar
10、es and parts, decoration and mobile culture enterprises. By 2015 the auto zone expects to develop an annual production capacity of one million cars and house over 100 spares and parts manufacturers, with both the output values of cars and spares and parts exceeding RMB 100 billion. Reliance on Innov
11、ation Dadong has relied on technological innovation for its industrial development, and its Sino-ROK Sci-Tech Industrial Park and Qidi Sci-Tech Park are two important keys toward that end. The two parks are wooing well-known domestic and 4international companies that represent advanced technology an
12、d managerial experience and operate non-polluting projects to build their headquarters in the parks. They will provide much needed projects as well as technological and intelligence support for the districts economic development. Dadong has also employed the technological strength of the Shenyang-EU
13、 Economic Development Zone located within its boundary in promoting its development level of information technology and services, and nursing a high-tech economy. It offers strong incentives to sci & tech development and research, and provides full assistance for their results to go into commercial
14、production, in an effort to increase the presence of high and new technologies in local economy. Spurring Tertiary Industries After years of concentrated effort, Dadong has established a thriving retailing hub centered on retail giants, such as Joy City, New-Mart, Wal-Mart, Carrefour and TESCO, and
15、a flourishing entertainment and hotel industry. Specialized commercial streets and districts have also played an important role in sustaining the steady and continuous growth of the 5modern service industry in the district. The local administration is developing the tertiary industries as the bonanz
16、a of wealth and has motivated local efforts in converting the Dongzhong Street ?C the oldest in Shenyang with a history of 400 years ?C into a modern pedestrian shopping boulevard. This commercial showcase of Dadong is extending westwards and will become Chinas longest shopping street, according to
17、Yu Zhenming, head of the district. The upgrading of shopping facilities and environment has helped stimulate consumers spending passions. Meanwhile, Dadong has tried to develop large-scale logistics and infrastructures both for productive activities and everyday life by enhancing the various urban service functions. The ultimate purpose is to improve the quality of peoples lives and maneuver the district along the development road of “prosperity, harmony, affluence and strength.”
