In the first half of this year, the regional GDP of Tongzhou district, Nantong, increased by 6.3 percent to a total of 95.69 billion yuan ($13.31 billion), with the growth rate ranking first in the city.

The district's general public budget revenue reached 4.38 billion yuan, a rise of 2.5 percent. The growth rate of industrial added value of enterprises above the designated size and the total retail sales of consumer goods topped the city.

Tongzhou has allocated over 80 percent of the revenue to improving people's livelihoods. This year, it has implemented 10 livelihood projects, focusing on areas such as education, healthcare, and elderly care services.

In terms of talent services, Tongzhou has offered corresponding district-level subsidies, in addition to municipal-level subsidies, to full-time talent introduced by enterprises at different levels, ranging from 500 yuan to 2,000 yuan per month for a duration of three years.

To improve elderly care services, all 14 towns and sub-districts have established home-based elderly care service centers, and all 232 villages and communities have set up standardized home-based elderly care service stations.

To address student food safety concerns, Tongzhou plans to invest 2.28 million yuan this year to upgrade and renovate the canteens in compulsory education schools. Automated equipment such as automatic vegetable cutters and egg frying machines will be installed to improve kitchen facilities.

Modern skyscrapers blend with ancient architectural complexes amid a thriving ecosystem in Tongzhou district, Nantong. [Photo/VCG]