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Apr. 26 (NBD) -- Speaking at the Boao Forum for Asia in April, Chinese President Xi Jinping reiterated that China will not close its door to the world, and it will only become more and more open.

Cities rise amid the nation's rejuvenation. The competition among cities now covers wider areas and involves more rivals, more of an open race. 

Currently, many cities are rushing to open to the world, and Southwest China's Chengdu is one of them. 

Data shows that the capital city registered 103.87 billion yuan (16.4 billion U.S. dollars) in gross value of imports and exports in the first quarter of this year, up 26.2 percent year over year. This marks the first time the city has crossed the 100-billion-yuan mark in this respect. 

Last week, a delegation from China's tropical island province Hainan, led by Yan Chaojun, member of the Standing Committee of the CPC Hainan Provincial Committee and Secretary of the CPC Sanya Municipal Committee, made a trip to Chengdu, expecting to learn some experience from the southwestern city to push its opening process. 

What experience Chengdu can offer? The answer should be innovation which runs through every move the city has made. The provincial capital has launched 141 demonstrative reform cases within one year since the set-up of Chengdu Pilot Free Trade Zone. Besides, Chengdu has been seeking for industrial cooperation with its sister cities and making plans to attract investment. In addition, 16 international trains starting from Chengdu have been opened.

Behind all those achievements lies the continuous efforts Chengdu has been making to realize "more comprehensive, deeper and more pragmatic" opening-up.

Chengdu, an inland city, is exploring its own path for a new round of opening-up.

Email: gaohan@nbd.com.cn; lansuying@nbd.com.cn