Huaihua emerges as major trade hub

Deep in the mountainous hinterland of central China, the city of Huaihua has transformed itself into Hunan province's gateway to global trade through the development of its international land port.

Mayor Li Chunqiu, also a deputy to the 14th National People's Congress, attributed this shift to a strategic alignment of favorable policies, geographic advantages and collaborative efforts.

"Opening up to the outside world is a distinct characteristic of Chinese modernization and is ingrained in the DNA of Huaihua people," Li told China Daily.