2016 BOOM TIME

Jan 15: Guizhou issues Regulations for Promoting Big Data Development and Application in Guizhou. It is China's first local law on big data.

Feb 25: The National Development and Reform Commission, MIIT and the Cyberspace Administration of China approve construction of the National Big Data Comprehensive Pilot Area in Guizhou.

May 24: MIIT grants Guizhou the title of Data Center Demonstration Base in South China.

August: Guizhou issues a guideline giving big data a leading role in provincial development.

Dec 28: A big data platform for public resources transactions is launched in Guizhou.

2017 BROADER IMPLEMENTATION

Feb 3: Guizhou sets up the Big Data Development Administration.

Feb 28: Apple hands over iCloud operations in China to Guizhou-Cloud Big Data Industry Development Co.

April: Guiyang issues the Data Sharing Regulation. July: Apple sets up an iCloud Data Center for Chinese users in Guizhou.

August: Huawei starts to build a data storage center in Guian New Area.

November: Guiyang says in a guideline that it plans to build the city into China's digital valley, the first time such a vision is made public.

December: The National Health Commission nominates Guizhou as the location for the second batch of pilot areas for medical big data centers.