A rendering shows the vehicle testing ground in Xiqing district, Tianjin. [Photo/WeChat account: TjXqgov]
Xiqing district in Tianjin has been advancing the development of intelligent vehicles in a pilot zone by focusing on technological innovation, real-world testing, and industry collaboration.
Xiqing district has established a three-tier testing system covering virtual simulation, closed-course testing, and open-road trials, providing end-to-end support from algorithm development to real-world validation. Open testing roads in the district now total 792.6 kilometers, supporting multiple stages from research and development to demonstration operations.
Backed by vehicle-road coordination systems, the district has built a perception network covering 408 smart intersections, with more than 3,600 intelligent devices deployed. These facilities allow real-time monitoring and analysis of traffic conditions across about 320 square kilometers, supporting enterprise testing while also improving travel safety and efficiency for residents.
Standard-setting has played a key role in industrial growth. With support from China Automotive Technology and Research Center, the pilot zone has led or participated in 99 standard research projects and released 31 standards. Several have been applied locally, forming a positive cycle linking technology, standards, and industry. To date, 39 key companies across the supply chain have gathered in the zone, creating an ecosystem spanning chips, systems, equipment, and scenario operations.
Building on progress in vehicle connectivity, Xiqing is extending development into the low-altitude economy. It is advancing low-altitude testing infrastructure through shared land use, while also relying on existing testing facilities. An approved test airspace of about 8 square kilometers, with a maximum altitude of 300 meters, now offers stable conditions for the research and testing of unmanned aerial vehicles.
With several technology firms already operating on site, a testing-oriented low-altitude industry cluster is taking shape. Looking ahead, Xiqing plans to further enhance testing capacity, expand application scenarios, and develop a functional low-altitude economy platform serving the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region.