In the Yangtze River Delta economic zone, highways have evolved beyond mere transportation links between cities. They now serve as vital economic arteries, injecting new momentum into regional cooperation. While road-based development once brought immense prosperity to Jiangsu and Zhejiang provinces, it is now experiencing a renaissance in the Delta's modernization drive.
Back in 1993, the Liberation Daily painted a picture of the Delta's economic landscape, where countless factories clustered along highways formed a bustling commercial panorama. Today, the region's expansive expressway network, dense high-speed rail lines, and comprehensive airport systems continue to draw attention to this highly anticipated economic powerhouse.
The highway economy in the Yangtze River Delta, particularly the economic activities it facilitates, is undergoing profound transformation. Along expressways and national highways, industrial clusters and collaborative models between cities are maturing. Between Nanjing and Zhenjiang, the accelerated upgrade of National Highway 312 is underway, promising to revolutionize commuting and industrial connectivity. The project will slash travel time between the two cities from 50 minutes to just 20 minutes.
However, improvements extend beyond infrastructure. Industrial restructuring and regional coordination have become the new soul of the "highway economy." The Hefei-Lu'an Economic Corridor exemplifies this shift—transforming from a simple transport route into an economic development engine that's attracting growing business participation. As one Hefei-based auto parts manufacturer noted, the highway's efficient connectivity has significantly boosted operational and production efficiency, giving them a competitive edge.
Modern highway economics in the Delta emphasizes scientific planning and long-term development. The urban integration between Hefei and Lu'an embodies this new approach. Through regular exchanges and resource sharing, the two cities are building efficient industrial chains. Field research reveals numerous enterprises using Hefei as their base while leveraging surrounding cities via the highway network to maximize benefits. Notably, Nanjing's metropolitan development features cross-provincial collaboration, with cities forming strong industrial integration through convenient highway connections, focusing on innovation sharing and talent attraction.
Infrastructure upgrades have also brought tangible quality-of-life improvements. The traffic congestion that once plagued commuters is becoming history. Towns like Baohua in Nanjing, previously known as "bedroom communities," are evolving into vibrant residential and commercial areas thanks to convenient highway access, enabling quick connections to neighboring cities.
Ultimately, the Yangtze River Delta's highway economy isn't resting on past achievements. Under new national strategies, it continues evolving toward more efficient, collaborative models that shape the future. Highways now serve as seamless urban connectors—revitalizing not just transportation but also linking cities, businesses, and talent to form powerful pillars of modern competitiveness. This development model may well become a blueprint for regional economic cooperation nationwide, guiding more cities toward a prosperous future.
