Haidian
Haidian District is the birthplace of Zhongguancun and the core area of Zhongguancun Science Park, the first national independent innovation demonstration zone in China. It is an important carrier for the construction of Beijing's "Four Centers" functions and the core area of Beijing International Science and Technology Innovation Center. Haidian is a district strong in economy, science, education, and talent.
Haidian District is one of the 16 districts of Beijing, covering an area of 430 square kilometers with a permanent resident population of 3.13 million. In 2024, its GDP reached RMB 1.29 trillion (approximately USD 178.2 billion), marking a 6% increase. Despite taking up only 2.6% of the city’s total land area, Haidian contributed nearly 26% to Beijing’s overall economic output.
Haidian District has the following features:
Economic Development
The high-grade, precision, and advanced industrial structure is constantly being optimized, with the total revenue of high-tech enterprises growing by more than 10% annually. The "ballast" role of leading industries is remarkable. The added value of the five advantageous industries, namely information, scientific research, finance, education, and industry, accounts for more than 70%, and their contribution to economic growth exceeds 80%. By the end of 2024, the number of high-value invention patents per 10,000 people reached 539.95, and the number of invention patents per 10,000 people was 1,005 – the highest in Beijing. There are currently 400 national-level specialized, high-end and innovation-driven "little giant" enterprises, accounting for 38.6% of the city. In 2022, Haidian’s GDP exceeded RMB 1 trillion, making it the first district in Beijing and the second nationwide to reach this milestone.
Innovation Ecosystem
As a pioneer and testing ground for national science and technology innovation, many of China’s reform measures and policies in innovation were first piloted here. There are currently 24 national-level science and technology business incubators in the district. The elements of Government, Industry, University, Research Institute, Finance, and User in the region are organically integrated, forming a unique innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem. Haidian is actively developing into a global hub for the artificial intelligence industry, taking a leading role in AI development. There are currently 263 listed companies based in the district.
Scientific and Educational Resources
Haidian leads Beijing in basic education, with 223 kindergartens and 178 primary and secondary schools, serving a total of 410,000 students – about one-fifth of Beijing's student population. There are 37 universities, including Tsinghua and Peking University, 34 key national and central institutions, 96 national research institutions including the Chinese Academy of Sciences, 21 national engineering research centers, and 32 national engineering technology research centers. A total of 646 academicians from the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the Chinese Academy of Engineering work or reside in Haidian, accounting for 34.4% nationwide. The district has a total of 2.004 million talents, accounting for 25% of the city.
Historical and Cultural Heritage
Haidian is home to numerous cultural and historical sites, most notably the “Three Hills and Five Gardens” historical and cultural scenic area. There are 329 immovable cultural heritage sites, including 22 sites under national-level protection, 2 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and 1 national archaeological park. The district also hosts 181 libraries including the National Library of China, 35 museums, 27 registered art performance venues, and top-tier cultural institutions such as China Central Television (CCTV).
Ecological Environment
The district features a complete ecological system of mountains, rivers, forests, farmland, and lakes, including Cuihu Urban Wetland, Fenghuangling Nature Park, and major water sources such as the Jing-Mi Diversion Canal and the South-to-North Water Diversion Project's regulation reservoirs. In 2024, Haidian maintained the best air quality among Beijing's six central urban districts for the 10th consecutive year. The annual average PM2.5 concentration was 30.6 μg/m³, with 293 days of good air quality (a record high) and zero days of heavy pollution (also setting a new record).
As the key zone of Beijing International Technology and Innovation Center, Haidian is striving to build world leading science parks. Haidian is a fertile land with the most dynamic and attractive ecological environment for innovation and entrepreneurship, and the best platform for international high-end talents to fully play their ability and wisdom and to realize their ambition.
