A launch ceremony for the construction of new innovation centers in Chongqing and Sichuan to be completed in 2021 was held on May 27 – and among the major projects, 12 will be built in the Liangjiang New Area with a total investment of 24.37 billion yuan ($3.82 billion).

It was announced that the biggest project being undertaken by the Liangjiang New Area – located in Southwest China's Chongqing – was a cloud innovation town, with construction started on that day.

The town involves a total investment of 4.99 billion yuan, and will open to the public in 2023, after two years of construction.

Occupying an area of 417 mu (27.8 hectares), the cloud innovation town will reportedly be home to the innovation and test platforms of many leading universities. It is understood that the town's infrastructure will soon be in place that covers multiple scenes such as researches, meetings, idea exchanges, dining and exercises. Kindergartens and primary schools will also be set up, making it more attractive to job seekers coming from outside who want to settle down there.

Technology is the core of the town. The National University of Singapore, for example, will establish an independent research institute that focuses on advanced manufacturing and materials, intelligent sensing, modern logistics, finance and financial risk management.

The Chongqing Research Center at the Harbin Institute of Technology plans to develop more cutting-edge technologies there in auto manufacturing, smart equipment and cyberspace security.

The environment will also be another highlight of the town. Neighboring Yulin River in the west and Mingyue Lake in the east, the town will be further decorated by corridors, slopes, pavilions and streets with ancient Chinese flavor.