Ziyang, a city in Sichuan province, has officially outlined its strategic development priorities for China’s upcoming 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026–2030). Local government officials recently confirmed that the city’s economic and social trajectory will center on three core pillars: enhancing regional integration with the Chengdu-Chongqing economic circle, accelerating industrial modernization, and improving livelihood infrastructure to support sustainable employment.
Strategic Alignment with Regional Integration
The “15th Five-Year Plan” (十五五) serves as a critical roadmap for China’s mid-term socio-economic development. For Ziyang, a city strategically located between the provincial capital of Chengdu and the municipality of Chongqing, the primary objective is to deepen its role within the “Chengdu-Chongqing Twin-City Economic Circle.” According to provincial development guidelines, cities in this corridor are tasked with reducing administrative barriers and streamlining logistics to foster a more unified regional market. Ziyang’s planning committee has emphasized the “335” framework—a local shorthand for specific urban development, industrial, and social goals—to ensure that the city’s infrastructure projects are synchronized with the broader regional network of high-speed rail and intercity transport links, as reported by local government planning documentation.
Industrial Modernization and Energy Security
A major component of Ziyang’s long-term economic strategy involves the transformation of its industrial base. Central to this effort is the development of the natural gas sector. Official municipal reports indicate that Ziyang is actively working to establish itself as a primary natural gas production and processing base for the Sichuan-Chongqing region, targeting an output capacity in the “hundred billion cubic meters” range. This initiative is designed to support the energy security of the broader cluster while attracting downstream manufacturing investments. By leveraging its natural resources, the city aims to transition from a resource-dependent economy toward a high-tech manufacturing and energy-processing hub. The local Bureau of Economy and Information Technology has highlighted that this transition is essential for maintaining Ziyang’s competitiveness as the 15th Five-Year Plan period begins.
Building a Livelihood-Friendly Development Model
Beyond industrial output, Ziyang’s development strategy places significant weight on “employment-friendly” urban design. Recent municipal briefings have underscored that population retention and workforce stability are vital to the city’s long-term health. The city plans to integrate public services—including healthcare, education, and social security—directly into its industrial planning. This approach aims to create a feedback loop where industrial growth provides the tax base necessary to fund municipal services, which in turn attracts and retains a skilled labor force. The focus on “livelihood-first” development reflects a broader policy shift observed across Sichuan province, where municipal governments are increasingly prioritizing the quality of life as a key metric for successful urban growth.
Next Steps in the Planning Process
The formulation of the 15th Five-Year Plan is an iterative process involving multiple levels of Chinese government. Following the initial announcement of these priorities, Ziyang municipal departments are expected to begin the drafting of detailed sectoral plans. These technical documents will undergo review by provincial authorities before being finalized for implementation starting in 2026. Residents and stakeholders interested in the specific timelines for infrastructure projects or local employment incentives are encouraged to monitor official announcements from the Ziyang Municipal Development and Reform Commission. Further updates regarding the legislative approval of these regional plans are expected as the 2026 deadline approaches.
This report provides an overview of public policy goals as stated by municipal authorities. For official documentation regarding the implementation of the 15th Five-Year Plan in Sichuan, please visit the Sichuan Provincial People’s Government official portal for periodic updates.
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