A plaque-unveiling ceremony for Lipu's promotion from a county to a city is held in the "China Hanger Capital" Convention Center on Dec 18. [Photo by Li Muhang/For en.gxzf.gov.cn]

Lipu, Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region, previously a county in Guilin, has recently been promoted to city status. A plaque-unveiling ceremony was held at the "China Hanger Capital" Convention Center on Dec 18.

With a history of over 2,100 years, Lipu is steeped in traditional culture and is known as the hometown of Quyi, a traditional Chinese art form that combines ballad singing, storytelling, comic dialogues and Chinese cross talk.

People from all walks of life attend the plaque-unveiling ceremony. [Photo by Li Muhang/For en.gxzf.gov.cn]

Not only is it conveniently situated at the junction of Guilin, Hezhou, Wuzhou, Liuzhou and Laibin, it also boasts a close proximity to the Pan-Pearl River Delta, Hong Kong, Macao, and Southeast Asia. In recent years, Lipu has taken full advantage of its great location to facilitate industrial transfers from East China and establish itself as a regional center.

Student representatives attend the plaque-unveiling ceremony. [Photo by Li Muhang/For en.gxzf.gov.cn]

According to Party Chief Chen Daichang, Lipu has made great strides in the coordinated development of its primary, secondary and tertiary industries. Its taros, water-chestnuts and sugar oranges have been granted geographical indication trademarks.

Known as the national clothes hanger production center, Lipu contributes about 70 percent of the country's annual hanger production and exports. Its abundant tourism resources also won it the title of "Famous Guangxi County for Distinctive Tourism".

Lipu boasts a pleasant living environment. [Photo by Li Muhang/For en.gxzf.gov.cn]

Rapid development since the beginning of Reform and Opening-up allowed Lipu to break free from the limits of its previous administrative status. This promotion is expected to help Lipu play a more active role in the development of Northeast Guangxi.