Guiyang is one of thirty national logistic hubs to be built by 2020, according to a plan released by the National Development and Reform Commission and Ministry of Transportation on Dec 21.

According to the plan, China plans to establish a network of national logistics hubs in response to its advanced economic system. A total of 212 national logistic hubs will be built by 2035. The plan includes six different types of hubs-land ports, harbor ports, air ports, service-oriented ports, commerce and trade-oriented ports and land boarder ports-and Guiyang will function as a land port, air port, service-oriented port, and commerce and trade-oriented port.

Geographical advantages make Guiyang an ideal region to develop into a logistic hub. As the capital city of Guizhou province in Southwest China, it serves as a gateway between South and Central China.

In recent years, Guiyang has ramped up efforts to improve its modern transportation system, including railways, highways and air transport. Four main routes have been designated to strengthen the connection between Guiyang and nearby cities and countries, including Sichuan, Yunnan, Guangzhou, Hong Kong, Macau and ASEAN countries.

In addition, Guiyang has established a number of logistics parks to improve efficiency and information-sharing, including the Guiyang Free Trade Zone Modern Logistics Park, Guiyang North Comprehensive Logistics Park and Guiyang Longdongbao Airport Logistics Park, which will serve as the groundwork for the city’s future transformation into a national logistics hub.

Li Hanyi contributed to this story