How China’s liquor heartland traded old spirits for new energy
Wuliangye, China’s second-largest liquor producer, is a household name. But Yibin, the lower-tier city in Sichuan province home to the famous baijiu maker, has long flown under the radar. So when I received an invitation earlier this month for a media trip to Yibin, the first question that sprang to mind was: where exactly is it? Tucked away behind the hills of western China, we had to fly to…
Yibin, a lower-tier city in Sichuan province, is gaining attention for its transformation from a sleepy backwater to a manufacturing hub. Known for its famous liquor producer, Wuliangye, Yibin has attracted major companies like CRRC and CATL to invest in advanced manufacturing, including ART buses and battery production facilities.
Despite this progress, the city faces challenges like economic strain, rapid aging, and environmental vulnerabilities. Wuliangye has diversified its revenue streams, reducing its reliance on traditional liquor sales. However, sales have been slow to pick up, and the city continues to struggle with attracting and retaining a young, skilled workforce.
Despite these hurdles, local officials remain optimistic about the city's future, attributing economic growth to its increasing GDP.
Written by urgent.news from South China Morning Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
