One of China's largest national-level development areas, the Zhanjiang Economic and Technological Development Zone will one day grow into one of the main economic engines in Guangdong province, local officials predict.

Approved in 1984 by the State Council, the zone was among the first group of development areas established in 14 open costal cities.

It now accommodates 270,000 people living in an area of nearly 470 square kilometers.