Health industry in Hechi

The endless mountains in Hechi, Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region have not only provided the region with rich mineral reserves, but also a wealth of health resources.

Hechi is blessed with abundant natural resources, including Fengshan World Geological Park, Dahua Qibainong National Geological Park, Dixiahe National Geological Park, Du'an Chengjiang National Wetland Park, Laxi National Wetland Park and the Grand Valley National Water Conservancy Scenic Spot.

These rich natural resources have laid a solid foundation for the development of the health industry in Hechi.

Bama Yao autonomous county is renowned as a "World Longevity City". Hechi's three counties and one city, namely, Donglan, Fengshan, Dahua and Yizhou, have all been recognized as longevity villages in China.

In July 2013, Hechi Bama longevity Health International Tourism Zone was listed by the government of Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region as one of the three major international tourism destinations in Guangxi, the two others being the Guilin International Tourism Resort and the Beibu Gulf International Tourism Resort.

In 2015, the National Tourism Administration and the State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine listed the Bama Changshou Health International Tourism Zone as a national TCM health tourism demonstration zone.

Hechi has been focusing on the establishment of an elderly health and longevity industry, inviting large enterprises to build elderly communities as well as other medical and healthcare projects.

Ten companies have invested in healthcare projects near the Panyang River in Bama, attracting more than 130,000 people from all over the country every year.

Bama and Fengshan have become popular destinations among seniors, who increasingly travel to places with a beautiful natural environment, mild temperatures and clean air, rather like migratory birds.

Hechi has also taken advantage of its longevity health resources to develop high-quality bottled drinking water, specialty food processing, ethnic medicine and other industries.

At present, Hechi boasts 57 registered drinking water companies in 11 counties, including mineral water, natural spring water and purified water. In 2016, six enterprises achieved an output value of 1.21 billion yuan.

The city also strives to tap into the rich herbal resources to boost medical research, implement industrial production and strengthen brand promotion in order to create a robust health industry.