Chenglingji New Port in Yueyang

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The Chenglingji New Port Area (城陵矶新港区) was established in December 2009 by the Yueyang Municipal Government (岳阳市政府), leveraging existing industries along the Chenglingji (城陵矶) and Yangtze River (长江). Spanning a total area of 100 square kilometers, with 69 square kilometers dedicated to construction, this port is positioned as a key site for Hunan Province‘s growth. It plays a central role in the Yangtze River Economic Belt (长江经济带) and serves as a bridgehead for open economic development in Hunan.

The port area follows the integrated development concept of “Port, Industry, and City”, promoting large-scale ports, modern logistics, and industrial development. Chenglingji Port (城陵矶港), one of the Yangtze River‘s Eight Major Ports (长江八大良港), is a first-class open port in China. The area is poised for further growth, especially with significant expansion in logistics, intelligent equipment manufacturing, and electronic information industries.

Key Features:

• Location: Yueyang, Hunan Province

• Area: 100 square kilometers

• Strategic Importance: Vital for the Yangtze River Economic Belt and Hunan’s modernization

Port Infrastructure and Transportation Links

Key Transportation Routes

The Chenglingji New Port Area is well-connected by multiple transportation networks:

• Roads: Major highways such as Beijing-Zhuhai Expressway (京珠高速), Suiyue Expressway (随岳高速), and Hangzhou-Rui Expressway (杭瑞高速), as well as the 107 National Road (107国道) and local roads, ensure robust land connectivity.

• Rail: The port is 8 km from Yueyang East Railway Station (岳阳东站) and 7.5 km from Yueyang Railway Station (岳阳站). A 5.3 km railway branch line is already in operation, with another 13 km extension underway.

• Airports: The port is 161 km from Changsha Huanghua International Airport (长沙黄花国际机场), 200 km from Wuhan Tianhe International Airport (武汉天河国际机场), and 20 km from the upcoming Yueyang Airport (岳阳机场).

Strategic Location

The Chenglingji New Port Area lies at the convergence of the Dongting Lake (洞庭湖), Chang-Zhu-Tan Urban Agglomeration (长株潭城市群), and several major rivers, making it an essential logistics hub for Hunan, Hubei, and Jiangxi provinces.

Investment in Infrastructure

Since its establishment, the port area has invested over 5 billion CNY, focusing on building infrastructure and strengthening facilities. The construction of modern logistics bases, such as cold-chain logistics, grain and oil logistics, and petrochemical logistics, is accelerating.

Future Development

In 2024, the port will prioritize China-Africa economic and trade cooperation, including the establishment of three rubber processing plants in Côte d’Ivoire (科特迪瓦), with an annual production capacity of 400,000 tons. These developments are part of a broader initiative to build a global supply chain that connects overseas initial processing with domestic deep processing.

History of Chenglingji Port

Chenglingji Port has a long history, dating back to the Song Dynasty (宋朝). By 1898, it became the third port in China to open for international trade. The port area consists of two main regions: Songyang Lake Port Area (松阳湖港区) and Chenglingji Port Area (城陵矶港区), with 77 berths capable of handling 1000-ton vessels and above.

• Historical Significance: Established in the Song Dynasty, it was officially opened for international trade in 1898. It remains a crucial open port for China today.

Port’s Role in Economic Growth

The Chenglingji New Port Area is central to the development of Hunan Province‘s logistics industry, linking multiple transport corridors including the Yangtze River, coastal shipping routes, and coal and import-export logistics. This makes it a key driver for the region’s economy, particularly in the areas of logistics, industry, and trade.

• Annual Container Throughput: 120,000 TEUs (Twenty-foot Equivalent Units)

• Strategic Projects: The port area is equipped with multiple national-level open platforms, such as the Yueyang Comprehensive Free Trade Zone (岳阳综合保税区).

Port Modernization and the Economic Impact

Port Revitalization

A key component of the Fourth Hunan Tourism Development Conference (第四届湖南旅游发展大会), the revitalization of Chenglingji Port includes the arrival of new passenger vessels such as the Chenggang Passenger Boat No. 1 (城港客趸1号), which is 105 meters long and 18 meters wide. This new vessel has brought about a significant increase in both tourism and cargo shipping activities.

• Tourism Growth: The arrival of larger vessels has increased docking frequency by 20% and boosted tourist visits by 30%.

• Economic Boost: The extended docking time, which has increased from 3 to 5 hours, has also driven local consumption, including shopping, dining, and fuel supplies for ships.

Supporting Local Economy

The economic benefits of the port’s modernization are evident in various areas:

• Local Consumption: Ship crews now spend more time in the area, purchasing local products and services, such as fresh produce directly from local farms.

• Infrastructure Improvements: The port’s new shore power system reduces air pollution and noise by eliminating the need for diesel-powered electricity generation, while also improving sustainability.

Environmental Focus

The new passenger boat and port services are designed with a focus on green development. The port’s shore power system, alongside wastewater treatment facilities, ensures that no pollutants are released into the Yangtze River (长江), protecting the region’s environment.

• Green Facilities: Fully equipped to handle wastewater and use shore power, these features contribute to maintaining the cleanliness and sustainability of the river.

Cultural and Tourism Development

In addition to its economic significance, Chenglingji Port has become a focal point for tourism in Yueyang. The transformation of the port area is a key aspect of the city’s strategy to become a “Cultural City on the River” and to drive the growth of the cultural tourism industry along the Yangtze River.

Key Tourism Attractions:

• Yueyang Tower (岳阳楼), a historical and cultural landmark

• Chenglingji Port Area itself, which blends industrial heritage with natural beauty

By integrating modern infrastructure with tourism, the Chenglingji New Port Area is setting the stage for a prosperous future that balances economic growth with environmental protection and cultural development.

The Chenglingji New Port Area has evolved into a vital hub for trade, logistics, and tourism in Hunan Province. With significant investment in infrastructure, expansion of services, and a focus on sustainability, the port is poised for further growth, making it a key player in the Yangtze River Economic Belt and a driving force behind Hunan‘s economic future.