Lixia district plays a pivotal role in driving Jinan's economic growth, according to Zhao Zhiwen, head of the district, in an interview during the fifth session of the 18th Jinan Municipal People's Congress and the fifth session of the 15th Jinan Municipal Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference.

Lixia has outlined its development priorities for 2026 across six key areas: the headquarters economy, finance, digital economy, cultural tourism, consumption, and urban living environment.

Strengthening its headquarters economy and financial sector remains a top priority. Centered on the Central Business District (CBD), the district will develop headquarters clusters, streamline administrative services to optimize the business environment and leverage government-guided funds to attract financial institutions and long-term capital.

To gain a competitive edge in artificial intelligence (AI) and the digital economy, Lixia plans to upgrade its computing infrastructure to build a regional data hub. It will also promote the integration of digital technologies with manufacturing and healthcare, with a focus on generative AI applications and industry-specific models.

The district will transform its rich cultural resources into tourism and media products. By upgrading major commercial areas such as Quancheng Road and the CBD, Lixia aims to attract international brands and introduce tech-enabled consumption opportunities. Sports and cultural events will also be leveraged to stimulate consumer spending.

Urban livability will be further improved through smart governance and the renovation of old neighborhoods. Meanwhile, improving people's well-being remains a central task. Key measures include expanding affordable community childcare, ensuring equitable access to quality education and employment, and strengthening elderly care services.