Guiyang

Guizhou University was established on January 1, 1928, in Guiyang, as part of a national initiative to promote higher education across China. The university has grown to become a major center for education and research in Guizhou Province, offering a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs. Its founding was a crucial event in the region's development, attracting students and academics and contributing to Guiyang's cultural and educational landscape.

On October 15, 1958, Guiyang was officially designated as the capital of Guizhou Province, solidifying its status as the political, economic, and cultural center of the region. This change highlighted Guiyang's growing significance within the province and across China, as it became the focal point for governance, trade, and cultural exchange, playing an essential role in regional planning and development.

On March 14, 1997, the initial planning for the Guiyang Metro was approved as part of a national strategy to enhance urban transportation infrastructure in major cities across China. The Guiyang Metro aimed to alleviate traffic congestion and improve connectivity in the rapidly growing capital of Guizhou Province. The project was part of broader efforts to modernize the city's transportation, accommodate its expanding population, and support economic development.

On September 23, 2009, Guiyang inaugurated the new terminal at Longdongbao International Airport, significantly increasing its capacity and facilities to accommodate growing passenger numbers. The expansion project was crucial in enhancing Guiyang's connectivity both domestically and internationally, facilitating tourism and economic activities in the region. This development was part of efforts to position Guiyang as a major transport hub in southwest China, enhancing trade links and accessibility.

On April 20, 2012, Alibaba Group opened a large data center in Guiyang, marking an important development in the city's bid to become a hub for big data in China. This data center was designed to support Alibaba's e-commerce operations and its cloud computing services. It underscored Guiyang's strategic positioning to attract technology investments and leverage its resources to support digital economic growth, alongside providing new opportunities for employment and innovation.

Guiyang hosted the China International Big Data Industry Expo for the first time on May 25, 2016. This event brought together global leaders in big data from industry, government, and academia to discuss opportunities and challenges in the rapidly evolving field. The expo showcased Guiyang's ambitions to be at the forefront of the big data revolution, reflecting its strategic investments and favorable policies aimed at transforming the city into China's 'Big Data Valley.'

On December 28, 2017, Guiyang celebrated the opening of its first metro line, Line 1, marking a significant milestone in the city's public transportation history. Line 1 runs from Xiamaixi to Shuanglong Airport East and includes 25 stations, helping to reduce traffic congestion and improve air quality in Guiyang. This development is part of a larger effort to improve urban transit and support sustainable growth in the city, which has been experiencing rapid urbanization and economic expansion.

On May 29, 2019, Guiyang opened its second metro line, Rail Transit Line 2, as part of expanding its urban transit network to better serve the city's transportation needs. Line 2 stretches across various key districts, providing improved access and reducing travel time for residents and visitors. This development reflects continued efforts to invest in sustainable urban mobility solutions crucial for accommodating Guiyang's rapid growth.

On June 17, 2020, Guiyang was officially designated as a participant in China's National Smart City Pilot Program. This initiative aims to create urban environments that leverage digital technologies and data analytics to improve city management and services. Guiyang's participation seeks to streamline its public services, enhance administrative efficiency, and foster sustainable urban development through cutting-edge technological applications and infrastructure upgrades.

On November 12, 2021, Guiyang hosted the World Ecological Conference, attracting international experts and policymakers to discuss global ecological challenges and sustainability initiatives. The conference emphasized Guiyang's commitment to ecological conservation and green development, aligning with China's broader environmental goals. It served as a platform for exchanging knowledge and fostering collaborations on ecological restoration and sustainable urban planning.