Last year, the zone's government also initiated several projects to create a more comfortable living environment for residents.

A total of 5.3 billion yuan was invested through public-private partnerships on projects including upgrading pedestrian walkways and new parks.

"The public-private partnership model has helped to enhance the zone's living environment, attracted social capital and reduced the government's financial burden," said Wang Yang, director of the economic development department of the high-tech zone's finance bureau.

Last year, the zone spared no effort in providing more support to people in financial difficulties.

Monthly subsistence allowances for individuals were increased from 500 yuan to 550 yuan in 2017, and 185,000 people are currently covered by government-funded livelihood insurance.

The zone provided 23 million yuan and 12 million yuan, respectively, to subsidize an endowment insurance fund and medical insurance fund. Subsidies were also provided to low-income seniors and impoverished seniors unable to take care of themselves.

A public healthcare system upgrade was another key task for the local government in 2017.

Authorities established a 3.5 million yuan fund to encourage women in the zone to take breast cancer and cervical cancer screenings. Subsidies were also made available to stroke patients who are receiving recovery treatment and those on dialysis in hospitals.

An Bin, director of the zone's finance bureau, said that more investments will be made in public services and infrastructure in the coming years.

Wang Weidong contributed to this story.