Guilin, a jewel of the Chinese mainland’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, has long captivated travelers with its mist-shrouded karst mountains and serene Li River. But behind its postcard-perfect vistas lies an economic narrative that’s rewriting the city’s global profile. New 2024 data reveals Guilin’s foreign trade surged to 11.39 billion yuan ($1.6 billion), an 11.5% annual increase, with exports climbing 13.9% to 10.52 billion yuan ($1.47 billion).
While tourism remains vital, lesser-known industries are driving this growth. Lipu City’s aircraft hangar manufacturing lines now supply clients across Asia and Europe, while Yongfu County’s monk fruit producers – controlling 85% of global supply – are innovating sugar-free food additives for health-conscious markets. These sectors exemplify how regional economies adapt to shifting global demands.
Analysts note Guilin’s strategic focus on high-value agriculture and precision manufacturing aligns with broader trends in the Chinese mainland’s economic rebalancing. The city’s ability to maintain export momentum amid global trade uncertainties offers insights for businesses eyeing resilient Asian supply chains.
For cultural explorers, the economic shift adds new dimensions to Guilin’s identity – where ancient waterways now float industrial components alongside fishing boats. As one logistics manager told KhabarAsia: ‘Our landscapes open doors, but it’s our workshops that keep them open.’
