Propelled by the local government and companies, Hefei, East China’s Anhui Province has attracted global attention in recent years. Official data showed that Hefei's GDP has risen to 1.27 trillion yuan ($175 billion) in 2023, up from the 416.8 billion yuan in 2012, and its ranking among Chinese mainland cities rose to the 20th place from the 31st, becoming a real "dark horse" in GDP growth. Hefei market insiders and Chinese experts interviewed by the Global Times attributed the city's development to the tech cluster of pillar industries including NEVs, chips, and AI innovation, as well as new industries including quantum technology. The city, an example of excellence in the realm of new productivity, is in line with the Chinese government's plans to promote new quality forces.(Photos: Chen Tao/GT)