China’s old industrial cities race to reinvent themselves in rapidly changing economy

Built in the 1960s on the upper reaches of the Yangtze River, the city in Sichuan province drew workers from across the nation to fuel China’s industrial ambitions. Six decades later, its economy, once mirroring Pittsburgh’s in the United States, still relies on the iron ore buried in its hills – home to Pangang Group, western China’s largest steel enterprise – even as it pursues a cleaner, more diversified future.

Today, Panzhihua has a population of about 1.2 million, a broader range of industries and a greener environment. Named after a type of kapok flower, the city is working to avoid a “rust belt”-style decline – though the transition is not without challenges. According to researchers and local residents, it continues to grapple with a narrow industrial base, limited innovation capacity and difficulties attracting talent.