The government is also working overtime to make Hefei a more livable city.

NPR: China Seeks Cheaper Labor Within Its Borders

He has invested in two shopping-mall projects, one in the southern city of Changsha and another in the eastern city of Hefei.

WSJ: City Lights Shine for Equities in China

NPR's Rob Gifford takes us to the central city of Hefei.

NPR: China Seeks Cheaper Labor Within Its Borders

There's still a long way to go before Hefei becomes the international city it wants to be, but when you look at what else China has achieved in 25 years, you might not want to bet against it.

NPR: China Seeks Cheaper Labor Within Its Borders

Mr. GIN RAY (Manager, Science City): (Through Translator) We want Hefei to become a top-level, high-tech city.

NPR: China Seeks Cheaper Labor Within Its Borders

You've probably never heard of Hefei, but if the leaders of this city of nearly four million people have their way, within a few years you'll know all about it.

NPR: China Seeks Cheaper Labor Within Its Borders

This will eventually be the site of Science City, a high-tech park covering nearly 20 square miles, where the Hefei government is offering massive financial incentives to high-tech companies, both local and foreign.

NPR: China Seeks Cheaper Labor Within Its Borders

Ms. GRACE GAO (Human Resources Department, WebEx): (Through Translator) Hefei has many high-quality engineers from very good universities, so it's a very attractive city.

NPR: China Seeks Cheaper Labor Within Its Borders