Licheng district in Jinan, Shandong province, is advancing high-quality industrial growth by focusing on five key sectors – modern pharmaceuticals, integrated circuits, high-end equipment, artificial intelligence and aerospace information.

The district has invested 2.2 billion yuan ($306.6 million) to build a 400,000-square-meter Jinan Biomedicine Port, which now hosts 26 advanced enterprises in fields such as AI-powered drug development, medical devices, and anti-aging technologies.

Pharmaceutical manufacturing remains a key strength, with 14 large-scale enterprises generating a total output of 5.22 billion yuan in the first half of the year.

High-end equipment manufacturing also shows steady growth, supported by industrial parks like Qilu Optics Valley and Jinan Rail Transit Industrial Park. In the first half of the year, 54 enterprises in this sector achieved a total industrial output of 3.67 billion yuan, marking a year-on-year increase of 10 percent.

To boost the development of integrated circuits, Licheng has invested nearly 4 billion yuan to develop a sensor and chip manufacturing hub, supported by top research institutes. More than 30 enterprises now operate in a complete industry chain, from materials to packaging and applications.

Artificial intelligence is emerging as a new growth engine. Leveraging the computing power of six supercomputing centers, including the National Supercomputing Center in Jinan, the district is home to several AI firms and smart manufacturing projects.

The aerospace sector is also taking shape, with Licheng partnering with leading companies to develop satellite components, smart aviation technologies, and reusable rocket manufacturing bases. An aerospace industrial park is under construction to support future growth.

Recognized as one of China's top-performing districts for innovation and industrial strength, Licheng is building a forward-looking, innovation-driven economy.