Chongqing — Chongqing is expanding its wellness industry by integrating ecological resources, healthcare, elderly care and tourism, aiming to improve services for its aging population while creating new momentum for economic growth.

Known for its mountains, forests, rivers and hot springs, southwest China's Chongqing municipality is leveraging its natural resources to develop industries ranging from forest tourism and senior care to biomedicine and medical services.

Since the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, Chongqing has accelerated efforts to develop wellness-related industries, transforming ecological advantages into new drivers of growth while promoting healthier lifestyles.

The municipality has established 63 forest wellness bases and is strengthening coordination among home-, community- and institution-based care services. According to municipal development plans for the 2026-2030 period, Chongqing aims to complete an additional 1 million mu (about 66,700 hectares) of forest management, build 250 integrated senior living complexes, establish four national demonstration districts or institutions for integrated medical and elderly care, and develop 40 community medical and elderly care centers.

Many of those efforts build on decades of ecological restoration.

Shanwangping Karst National Ecological Park in Nanchuan District, once affected by rocky desertification, has undergone extensive rehabilitation since the 1980s. Forestry workers and local residents planted more than 8,000 mu (about 533 hectares) of dawn redwoods and cedars on previously barren slopes.

According to local authorities, forest coverage in Shanwangping has increased from 68.4% in 1984 to 96%, creating new opportunities for hiking, outdoor recreation and eco-tourism.

During the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025), Chongqing's forest tourism and wellness industry generated 35.9 billion yuan (about $5 billion) in value added, according to official data. Across the municipality, destinations have increasingly combined natural landscapes with cultural, educational and sports activities to attract visitors of different ages.

Chongqing is also expanding community-based services for older adults.

Elderly care has been integrated into neighborhoods, townships and rural communities, with service networks designed to make daily care more accessible through nearby community facilities and subdistrict service centers.

In Shuangxi Community in Fuling District, a daytime care center for residents aged 70 and older offers social activities, health monitoring and therapeutic services. Ma Zhengxin, 92, said the center has helped him stay active and connected while improving his overall well-being.

Community care providers are also extending services such as health management, assisted bathing, nursing care and home visits for seniors with disabilities.

In Jiulongpo District, the municipality's first smart elderly care platform links 43 service providers offering 416 services across 60 categories. According to district authorities, it has handled more than 816,000 service requests and served more than 43,000 older adults.

Beyond elderly care, Chongqing is investing in biomedicine, high-end medical services and traditional Chinese medicine as part of its broader healthcare industry.

In Yuzhong District, a health industry park centered on Chongqing Medical University and its affiliated hospitals has attracted more than 1,800 health-related enterprises and 14 innovation projects, according to local authorities.

Among them is a Chongqing-based medical device manufacturer that has developed China's third-generation high-protection surgical gown using a composite material designed to block blood, bacteria and viruses while allowing moisture vapor from the wearer's skin to pass through, improving comfort during use. The company has established partnerships with several hospitals, including the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, West China Hospital and Southwest Hospital.

As China faces a rapidly aging population, Chongqing is positioning its wellness industry as both a public service priority and a new source of economic growth by integrating ecological resources, healthcare, elderly care and related industries.