The China Reform (2024) Annual Conference was held on Dec 18 in Shenyang, Liaoning province. The event announced a list of exemplary local reform cases from across the country. Among them, two cases recommended by Baotou – "Unleashing the Power of Reform to Drive Cultural Development" and "Using Idle Land for High-Quality Industrial Growth in Qingshan District" – were selected.

This marks the third consecutive year that Baotou has been recognized at the national level, with this year being notable for having two cases selected instead of one.

The first case highlights Baotou's pioneering reform of its State-owned cultural institutions. Since 2021, the city has merged three major performing arts organizations into the Baotou Municipal Art Theatre, streamlining resources and boosting output. The restructured theatre has since produced numerous acclaimed works, winning 10 national and 42 regional awards, while offering replicable models for similar reforms across Inner Mongolia and other western cities in China.

The second case focuses on Qingshan district's innovative approach to utilizing idle and inefficient industrial land. By optimizing land use and expanding development space, the district has reclaimed nearly 266.67 hectares of land, laying a solid foundation for continued high-quality growth.