Under its "4+4+N" industrial strategy, Zhangjiagang is accelerating the development of future industries ranging from artificial intelligence and automotives to aerospace and the low-altitude economy.
Zhangjiagang is accelerating the development of future industries. [Photo/WeChat account: zhangjiagangfabu365]
Automotive industry
Zhangjiagang is now home to nearly 400 automotive and parts enterprises, building a complete value chain that spans power batteries, motors, drivetrains, vehicle manufacturing, and charging infrastructure. The city has attracted leading players such as Spotlight Automotive, ZF, Magna, and Jatco.
The industry's main hub, the Zhangjiagang Economic & Technological Development Zone (ZETDZ), saw output grow from 10 billion yuan ($1.4 billion) in 2020 to 35 billion yuan in 2024, and expects to surpass 40 billion yuan this year.
Aerospace and low-altitude economy
Zhangjiagang has also made strides in the aerospace industry, attracting more than 20 enterprises across the industrial chain. Nine have been included in Suzhou's aerospace industry cultivation program, while the city has developed capabilities in liquid launch vehicle assembly and advanced aerospace materials.
Beijing-based Space Pioneer chose Zhangjiagang for its manufacturing and final assembly base thanks to the city's dense industrial ecosystem. Of the company's more than 300 suppliers, over 90 are located within a 100-kilometer radius of Zhangjiagang.
In the emerging low-altitude economy, the city is pioneering real-world applications in shipping, port operations, tourism, and logistics. By harnessing the respective strengths of lithium batteries, hydrogen, semiconductors, advanced materials, and intelligent equipment, Zhangjiagang is cultivating enterprises across key segments of the industry chain, such as parts, integration, and complete aircraft manufacturing, fostering a cluster effect.
Artificial intelligence
Artificial intelligence is another rising pillar industry. Earlier this year, Jiangsu Zhiku Intelligent Technology Co unveiled its self-developed six-directional shuttle vehicle, which quickly became an industry highlight. Anchored by Zhiku, Zhangjiagang's AI sector is advancing across the full spectrum of algorithm development, hardware manufacturing, and application deployment. The city is now shaping a smart warehousing equipment cluster and driving industrial upgrades toward "intelligent manufacturing + AI".