Guangzhou: construction of UNESCO City of Design in full swing

Guangzhou is eyeing being named China's fifth UNESCO City of Design following Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen and Wuhan. The city held a promotion fair on July 20 which enticed a group of eight renowned design firms and associations from home and abroad to establish themselves in the city.

The UNESCO City of Design is an honor that recognizes a city's design legacy and commitment to promoting cultural and creative industries. It is part of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network which was launched in 2004 and covers seven creative fields - crafts & folk art, design, film, gastronomy, literature, music and media arts.Designed as an incubator of international brands in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, the headquarter of Guangzhou's design industry incorporates various functions including design, R&D, trade and exhibition, and will have an estimated yearly output value of over 10 billion yuan ($1.47 billion) upon completion.

"Guangzhou's City of Design project is built for designers. With great infrastructure, it will be a landmark in the design industry," said Su Xiaopeng, head of Baiyun district, where the project is located.

The specific location will be Yungu Park, 15 minutes' drive from Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport. With an area of approximate 93.3 hectares, the park will host a 160-meter international design tower, a 150-meter international hotel and a 140-meter headquarters tower.

The Guangzhou government has ramped up its efforts to attract more talents and offered many preferential policies for talents and enterprises in the quest to be designated a UNESCO City of Design.

"With rich historical heritage and optimal economic condition, Guangzhou has the strength to attract design talents. I think the Guangzhou City of Design project has an exciting prospect," said Li Ning, secretary general of the Guangzhou Advertising Association, which has signed with Baiyun district to settle in the new project.