A bird'-eye view of Qianjiang New City. [Photo/Tide News]

Hangzhou's Qianjiang Century City secured two major investment projects om April 20, underscoring its growing appeal as a hub for the headquarters economy amid a cautious global business climate.

Local construction giant Southeast Space Frame Group launched its global innovation center in the district, while e-commerce giant JD acquired a prime riverside land parcel for 663 million yuan ($97 million) to establish its Zhejiang regional headquarters.

Founded in Xiaoshan district in 1984, Southeast Space Frame is shifting toward a headquarters-plus model integrating green construction, technological innovation, global operations, and enhanced supply chain management.

Since relocating its registered base to Qianjiang Century City in 2025, the company has established nine subsidiaries across various sectors including new energy and international trade, generating over 4.1 billion yuan in annual revenue.

JD's new project will combine office space and a large-scale JD Mall retail complex, with total investment expected to reach 2 billion yuan and capacity for more than 4,000 employees.

Analysts say the district's appeal lies in its dual advantage: strong manufacturing foundations in Xiaoshan and proximity to Hangzhou's digital economy ecosystem. With over 1,700 industrial enterprises nearby and a dense concentration of innovation platforms and talent at its disposal, the area offers a full-chain environment from R&D to commercialization.

As more major firms choose to expand in Qianjiang Century City, the district is emerging as a key node linking industry, technology, and capital — demonstrating resilience and long-term attractiveness in a shifting economic landscape.

A rendering of the new regional headquarters of JD. [Photo/Tide News]