Local media reported on Jan 11 that Xinjiang Software Park in the Urumqi Economic and Technological Development Zone (Toutunhe district) has been officially categorized as a class-five regional-level cultural industry demonstration zone.

　　Li Ke, vice general manager of the Xinjiang Software Park Co Ltd, said the park is currently constructing a new building that, when finished, will be able to accommodate more than 100 cultural and creative companies. The building is nearing completion and should be opened for use by the end of 2018.

　　There are currently 293 companies in Xinjiang Software Park in industries ranging from software development, internet, and animation to film, television, games, and creative design. About 242 of the companies are considered cultural and creative companies.

　　A set of twin towers located in Xinjiang Software Park. [Photo/uetd.gov.cn]

　　According to Li Ke, "In the next five years, Toutunhe district will invest 3 billion yuan ($460 million) toward the development and expansion of five national cultural and creative companies as well as 20 regional ones."

　　Products such as a new security system developed by Zhongrui Electronics Technology Company and a translation device developed by Iflytek Silkroad Valley Company were contributing factors to the park's recent recategorization.

　　More than 10 companies in the cultural industry, including Huaguang Film and Television Company and T.Color, have plans to establish branches in the park.

　　Classification as a regional-level cultural industry demonstration zone marks another step forward for Xinjiang Software Park in its effort to build itself into a comprehensive industrial park.

　　The cultural and creative building in Xinjiang Software Park boasts an elegant facade. [Photo/uetd.gov.cn]