Field studies
Many other Chinese cities with heavy industry, such as Jinzhou, Liaoning province, also have barbecue areas. The trend in Zibo has encouraged the authorities in these cities to conduct field studies on ways in which barbecue food can be used to invigorate their economies.
A team of officials from Jinzhou, including those from the city's housing and construction, commerce, and market supervision and regulation bureaus, studied the barbecue business in Zibo from April 16-18.
Barbecue businesses emerged in Jinzhou in the 1980s, and flourished in the 1990s. In 2005, a barbecue association was founded in the city to promote development of this trade.
The local government worked to integrate the barbecue business with tourism development, but barbecued food in Jinzhou, which was promoted by the city's tourism sector, never became the viral sensation that it did in Zibo.
Li Zhi, director of the Jinzhou Barbecue Association, was quoted as saying by local media, "The point of the Zibo barbecue trend is the local people's sincere, hospitable, friendly and helpful attitude toward young people."
He added that the huge influx of visitors poses a challenge to the city. However, each sector in Zibo, from transportation and public security, to catering and accommodations, has coordinated well, enabling it to withstand such pressure.
However, analysts said the barbecue business alone is not sufficient to realize high-quality development in old industrial cities.
Zhou Mingqi, chief analyst at Jingjian Thinktank, a tourism marketing consulting company, was quoted by Caijing magazine as saying, "Barbecue can drive catering, hotels and tourism, but it cannot create bigger economic profits.
"It is impossible for old industrial cities to achieve quick success and instant benefits if they want to succeed in transformation. They still need to set up universities and train talent to drive urban innovation and development."
Ding, from Xiamen University, said such a transformation has been achieved in the city of Pittsburgh in Pennsylvania, United States.
Once known as an industrial hub focused on steel production, Pittsburgh has successfully transitioned into a diversified economy driven by technology, education, healthcare and research.
In Zibo, with the barbecue trend showcasing local hospitality, it will be easier for the city to attract more talent.
Local media reports said officials in Zibo, including Ma, the Party secretary, have visited universities in the past two months to woo graduates.
"Once you have talent, you obtain the power of innovation, which will unleash new development momentum," Ding said.
