Zhongguancun Science Park in Beijing
Overview
Zhongguancun Hi-Tech Park (中关村科技园) began as the “Zhongguancun Electronic Street” (中关村电子一条街) in the early 1980s. It is recognized as China’s first national-level high-tech industrial development zone, the first national autonomous innovation demonstration zone, and the first national talent special zone, serving as the core park of the Beijing-Tianjin-Shijiazhuang high-tech industrial belt. It is often referred to as “China’s Silicon Valley.”
In May 1988, the State Council approved the establishment of the Beijing High-Tech Industrial Development Experimental Zone, the precursor to Zhongguancun Hi-Tech Park. In August 1999, it was renamed Zhongguancun Hi-Tech Park, with the park management committee acting as a unified leadership and management body appointed by the Beijing municipal government. General Secretary Xi Jinping has emphasized that Zhongguancun has become a banner of China’s innovative development, urging efforts to transform it into a globally influential technology innovation center.
Historical Background
The area served as a cemetery for eunuchs during the Ming Dynasty (明代), who were referred to as “Zhongguan” (中官). This led to it being called “Zhongguan Fen” (中官坟). It is also believed that many eunuchs built temples and estates in the area, thus earning the name “Zhongguancun” (中关村) after liberation, following the suggestion of Mr. Chen Yuan, president of Beijing Normal University (北师大).
Development of the Hi-Tech Park
Over 20 years of development have led to nearly 20,000 high-tech enterprises in Zhongguancun, including notable companies like Lenovo (联想) and Baidu (百度). The park features six major industrial clusters: next-generation internet, mobile internet, new mobile communication, satellite applications, biomedicine and health, and energy conservation and environmental protection. Additionally, it includes four potential industry clusters: integrated circuits, new materials, high-end equipment and general aviation, and new energy and vehicles, creating a diverse development model known as “one area with multiple parks.”
Zhongguancun is home to over 40 universities, such as Peking University (北京大学) and Tsinghua University (清华大学), and 206 national (municipal) research institutes represented by the Chinese Academy of Sciences (中国科学院) and the Chinese Academy of Engineering (中国工程院). The area boasts 112 national key laboratories, 38 national engineering research centers, and 57 national engineering technology research centers, along with 26 university technology parks and 34 entrepreneurial parks for overseas returnees.
Achievements
As the first national-level high-tech industrial development zone in China, Zhongguancun has consistently maintained a growth rate of around 30% for over a decade. In 2004, the high-tech enterprises in the park were projected to generate sales revenues of 360 billion yuan, contributing 13.3 billion yuan in taxes, with a gross production value of 760 billion yuan, accounting for 18% of Beijing’s GDP.
Recently, Zhongguancun has attracted numerous international talents and entrepreneurial teams, with over 2,500 overseas returnee enterprises employing nearly 6,000 individuals. The park’s incubators, including Zhongguancun International Incubator and Tsinghua Technology Park, have become essential for technology transformation and the growth of high-tech enterprises.
Transportation Information
- Subway: Beijing Metro Line 4 (Zhongguancun Station, 海淀黄庄站); Beijing Metro Line 10 (海淀黄庄站)
- Buses (Zhongguancun Street): 302, 307, 320, 332, 355, 365, 584, 614, 681, 145, 305, 686, Night Bus 8
- Buses (Suzhou Street): 26, 374, 528, 450, 644, 688, 424
Recognition
- On February 7, 2022, Zhongguancun Hi-Tech Park’s Chaoyang District was included in the list of special service export bases (Geographic Information).
- In August 2022, it ranked first in the “Top 100 High-Quality Development Parks” by CCID Consulting.
- In July 2023, it again ranked first in the same evaluation.
Related Events
According to the People’s Daily app, on August 17, 2017, Beijing concentrated its advantageous resources to support Xiong’an New Area by establishing a Zhongguancun Hi-Tech Park there.
