The development plans for the digital economy of Xi'an – capital of Northwest China's Shaanxi province – during the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-25) period were recently rolled out, paving the way for the sector's bright future.

The plans proposed that by 2025 the added value of the city's digital economy core industries should account for no less than 10 percent of its total GDP.

The digital economy is projected to become a new engine for high-quality economic development in Xi'an and the city is expected to become a leading digital economy innovation and development hub with extensive influence throughout West China.

Relying on the main urban area of Xi'an, the digital transformation and upgrading of service sectors -- including the digital Silk Road, digital culture, digital tourism and digital sports -- will be promoted.

The Xi'an High-tech Industries Development Zone and the Xi'an National Civil Aerospace Industrial Base will focus on developing digital industries, including digital technology research, digital product research and development, advanced computing services and software and information technology services.

Led by the Qinchuangyuan innovation-driven platform, the Xixian New Area will focus on the development of digital industry basic services and technological innovation services.

Moreover, Xi'an will accelerate the development of its emerging digital industries. The innovative application of artificial intelligence in manufacturing, tourism, logistics, medical care, education, urban management, transportation and in other fields, is targeted to be advanced.

In addition, Xi'an will promote the commercial application of the 5G network in the city's tourism industry. It will support the development of online education, advance the widespread application of intelligent equipment in elderly care services and promote the application of new-generation information technologies in the construction of traditional infrastructure.