Why Did He First Invest in a Hotel in Pengshan?

The factory was not yet completed when the aerial view of Pengshan Economic Development Zone was captured. (Photo provided by Pengshan District Media Center, Meishan City)

At the Pengshan Wuyang Better Life Festival. (Photo provided by Pengshan District Media Center, Meishan City)

In late autumn, multiple production lines in Pengshan Economic Development Zone, Meishan City, were operating near full capacity. Among them was the enterprise of Shanghai-based entrepreneur Gui Yong.

Two years ago, even before the factory was built, Gui Yong and his partners had already opened an Atour hotel in Pengshan. "To me, Pengshan is to Chengdu what Kunshan is to Shanghai," Gui Yong said. "With Pengshan's strong industrial growth, its attractiveness will only increase, and modern service industries like tourism will experience explosive, spiral growth."

**Industrial Project Secured in One Day, Hotel Built Before Production Began**

In 2022, Gui Yong explored investment opportunities in southwestern China. Among multiple options, he recommended Pengshan to his headquarters.

His reasoning focused on two key factors: superior location and professional local governance. "Being so close to Chengdu and the airport makes it highly convenient for serving clients and attracting talent," Gui Yong explained. "I wrapped up negotiations in just one day—the industrial park leadership was highly efficient, concluding discussions in half a day. In the afternoon, departments like industry, safety supervision, and environmental protection provided consolidated services, which minimized future complications."

By 2023, while the factory was still under construction, Gui Yong and his partners decided to invest in an Atour hotel in Pengshan.

"I travel extensively across the country, but Pengshan is the only place where I’ve rented an apartment," Gui Yong noted. Frequent hotel shortages inspired his investment idea. Further research reinforced his decision: "Pengshan is a net population inflow city—a rarity among small counties near major urban centers."

Over two years, Gui Yong’s Atour hotel maintained an average occupancy rate above 60%, while four new material production lines at the Meishan base neared full capacity.

**Industrial Growth Drives "Spiral Rise" in Pengshan**

Pengshan’s economic momentum stems from sustained industrial expansion. In the first three quarters, Pengshan’s district-level GDP grew 8.2% year-on-year, ranking first in Meishan City. Industrial output surged 19.6%, also leading the city.

The "1+3" industrial sectors grew 12.39%, with lithium battery production up 31.54%. Innovation efforts intensified: 26 small and medium-sized enterprises were recognized as innovative, R&D investment rose 30.7% to ¥328 million, and five new high-tech enterprises applied for accreditation.

At Sichuan Shanshan’s 200,000-ton lithium battery anode material production base in Pengshan Economic Development Zone, bags of synthetic graphite anode products stood ready for shipment.

Zhao Jiwei, Sichuan Shanshan’s external affairs head, confirmed full capacity at Phase I: "Demand has outstripped supply since late this year, with continuous full-capacity production reflecting market confidence."

Shanshan Technology now holds 21% global market share in synthetic graphite anode materials, with the Pengshan base playing a key role. While optimizing Phase I, the company is accelerating Phase II construction to meet demand.

Pengshan also boosted service sector vitality, organizing 20 consumer events like the "Pengshan Spring Festival Gala" and distributing ¥1.5 million in government vouchers to spur spending. New consumption hubs emerged, including the Wuhu Sihai demonstration zone and the upcoming Jiangkou Silver Museum. The Wuyangli cultural block opened its first-phase investment center, with a refreshed Atour hotel and the new Xinian Hotel commencing operations. Riverfront cultural-tourism projects advanced steadily.

"Industry drives employment, and population growth fuels services—this is the trend. Industrial and cultural Pengshan will mutually reinforce each other in a spiral ascent," Gui Yong predicted.