Anhui Industrial Park Comparison Tool
Last updated: July 2026 | Category: Tool | Topic ID: AH-INVEST-PARKS
How to Use This Tool
This comparison tool evaluates industrial parks across 10 decision dimensions, each scored on a 1–5 scale (5 = best/favorable). The tool is designed for a two-step process: first, use the master comparison table to shortlist 2–3 parks that meet your minimum requirements; second, use the detailed dimension breakdowns to conduct a weighted evaluation based on your specific priorities.
We also provide a Simple Scoring Framework that allows you to assign custom weights to each dimension based on your investment priorities and calculate a tailored composite score for each park.
Master Comparison Table: 10-Dimension Scorecard
| Dimension | Hefei Hi-Tech Zone | Hefei ETDZ | Wuhu ETDZ | Anhui Bonded Zone | Xuancheng ETDZ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Land Cost | 5 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 5 |
| 2. Labor Cost | 3 | 3 | 4 | 3 | 5 |
| 3. Utility Rates | 3 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 4 |
| 4. Logistics Connectivity | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 3 |
| 5. Incentives & Subsidies | 5 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| 6. Talent Pipeline | 5 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 2 |
| 7. Infrastructure Quality | 5 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 3 |
| 8. Industry Cluster Fit | 5 | 3 | 4 | 3 | 3 |
| 9. International Community | 4 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 2 |
| 10. Quality of Life | 4 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 3 |
| Average Score | 4.4 / 5.0 | 3.9 / 5.0 | 3.8 / 5.0 | 3.2 / 5.0 | 3.4 / 5.0 |
Detailed Dimension Analysis
Dimension 1: Land Cost
Industrial land prices (RMB/m², based on 50-year land use rights grants in 2025–2026)
| Park | Land Price (RMB/m²) | Score | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hefei Hi-Tech Zone | 750–980 | 5 | Competitive for national-level hi-tech zone; discounted rates for strategic industries |
| Hefei ETDZ | 650–850 | 4 | Moderate pricing with land availability constraints in built-up areas |
| Wuhu ETDZ | 500–720 | 4 | Good value; new smart park offering Phase I discounts |
| Anhui Bonded Zone | 580–780 | 3 | Limited land availability within bonded zone boundaries |
| Xuancheng ETDZ | 350–480 | 5 | Most affordable; 50–60% below Hefei Hi-Tech Zone prices |
Note: Prices fluctuate based on land auction outcomes. Strategic industry projects may negotiate discounts of 15–30% at the park administration’s discretion.
Dimension 2: Labor Cost
Average monthly total compensation (salary + social insurance + housing fund) for key positions, estimated for mid-2026
| Park | R&D Engineer (RMB/month) | Production Worker (RMB/month) | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hefei Hi-Tech Zone | 12,000–18,000 | 5,000–7,500 | 3 |
| Hefei ETDZ | 11,000–16,000 | 4,800–7,200 | 3 |
| Wuhu ETDZ | 10,000–14,000 | 4,200–6,500 | 4 |
| Anhui Bonded Zone | 11,000–16,000 | 4,800–7,200 | 3 |
| Xuancheng ETDZ | 8,000–11,000 | 3,500–5,000 | 5 |
Social insurance (五险一金) adds approximately 35–40% to base salary. Figures above include total employer cost.
Dimension 3: Utility Rates
Industrial electricity, water, and gas rates (2026 benchmark)
| Park | Electricity (RMB/kWh) | Water (RMB/ton) | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hefei Hi-Tech Zone | 0.72–0.85 | 3.8–4.5 | 3 |
| Hefei ETDZ | 0.68–0.80 | 3.5–4.2 | 4 |
| Wuhu ETDZ | 0.65–0.78 | 3.2–4.0 | 4 |
| Anhui Bonded Zone | 0.70–0.82 | 3.6–4.3 | 3 |
| Xuancheng ETDZ | 0.62–0.75 | 3.0–3.8 | 4 |
Large industrial users (annual consumption > 10 GWh) can negotiate discounted rates via direct power purchase agreements. Natural gas: approximately 3.8–4.5 RMB/m³ across all parks.
Dimensions 4–10: Summary
Logistics Connectivity (Score 5 for Hefei, Wuhu, Bonded Zone): Hefei parks benefit from the Hefei Comprehensive Bonded Zone, Xinqiao International Airport, and high-speed rail connections. Wuhu offers Yangtze River barge access and growing air cargo capacity. Xuancheng is less well-connected, relying primarily on road transport to Hefei (1.5 hours) and Nanjing (2 hours).
Incentives & Subsidies (Score 5 for Hefei Hi-Tech): Hefei Hi-Tech Zone offers the most comprehensive incentive package including rent subsidies, R&D matching grants, talent subsidies, and IPO bonuses. Wuhu’s newly opened Smart Manufacturing Park offers competitive Phase I discounts. All parks provide the national HNTE 15% tax rate.
Talent Pipeline (Score 5 for Hefei Hi-Tech): Proximity to USTC, Hefei University of Technology, and Anhui University provides an exceptional talent pipeline. Wuhu’s talent pool is adequate but narrower, concentrated in automotive engineering and robotics. Xuancheng faces more significant talent attraction challenges.
Infrastructure Quality (Score 5 for Hefei Hi-Tech): Industry-specific infrastructure (cleanrooms, GPU clusters, BSL-3 labs) sets Hefei Hi-Tech apart. All national-level parks provide reliable power, water, and fiber broadband. Bonded Zone has specialized customs infrastructure.
Industry Cluster Fit: Parks score highest where their cluster depth matches the investor’s sector. Hefei Hi-Tech leads for AI, IC, biomedicine, and NEVs. Wuhu excels for NEV manufacturing and robotics. Xuancheng suits new materials and general manufacturing.
International Community: Hefei parks have the largest expatriate communities (estimated 4,500+), with two international schools and multiple international hospitals. Wuhu has a smaller but growing international presence. Xuancheng has minimal expatriate infrastructure.
Quality of Life: Hefei offers the best overall quality of life with excellent green spaces, cleaner air than Tier-1 cities, affordable housing, and improving cultural amenities. Wuhu and Xuancheng offer quieter, more affordable living with fewer international entertainment options.
Custom Weighted Scoring Framework
Instructions
To tailor the comparison to your specific investment priorities:
- Assign weights to each dimension based on its importance to your project (total = 100%).
- Multiply each park’s dimension score by your weight to get a weighted score.
- Sum all weighted scores for each park to get a total weighted score.
- Compare total scores — the highest is your best-fit park.
Example Application
Scenario: A foreign NEV components manufacturer evaluating Hefei Hi-Tech Zone vs. Wuhu ETDZ.
| Dimension | Weight | Hefei Hi-Tech (Raw) | Hefei Hi-Tech (Weighted) | Wuhu ETDZ (Raw) | Wuhu ETDZ (Weighted) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Land Cost | 15% | 5 | 0.75 | 4 | 0.60 |
| Labor Cost | 10% | 3 | 0.30 | 4 | 0.40 |
| Utility Rates | 5% | 3 | 0.15 | 4 | 0.20 |
| Logistics | 15% | 5 | 0.75 | 5 | 0.75 |
| Incentives | 10% | 5 | 0.50 | 4 | 0.40 |
| Talent Pipeline | 15% | 5 | 0.75 | 3 | 0.45 |
| Infrastructure | 10% | 5 | 0.50 | 4 | 0.40 |
| Industry Cluster Fit | 15% | 5 | 0.75 | 4 | 0.60 |
| International Community | 3% | 4 | 0.12 | 3 | 0.09 |
| Quality of Life | 2% | 4 | 0.08 | 3 | 0.06 |
| Total | 100% | 4.65 | 3.95 |
Result: For this NEV components manufacturer, Hefei Hi-Tech Zone scores 4.65 vs. Wuhu’s 3.95, suggesting Hefei is the stronger choice — primarily because the investor’s high weight on talent pipeline (15%) and industry cluster fit (15%) favors Hefei’s advantages in those areas.
Decision Matrix: Matching Park to Investor Profile
| If Your Priority Is… | Top Recommendation | Runner-Up |
|---|---|---|
| Lowest operating cost | Xuancheng ETDZ | Wuhu ETDZ |
| Best talent access (AI/Tech) | Hefei Hi-Tech Zone | Hefei ETDZ |
| NEV/auto supply chain integration | Wuhu ETDZ | Hefei Hi-Tech Zone |
| Import/export processing & logistics | Anhui Bonded Zone | Hefei Hi-Tech Zone |
| R&D and innovation ecosystem | Hefei Hi-Tech Zone | — |
| Expatriate-friendly environment | Hefei Hi-Tech Zone | Hefei ETDZ |
| Large-scale manufacturing (labor-intensive) | Xuancheng ETDZ | Wuhu ETDZ |
| Semiconductor/IC ecosystem | Hefei Hi-Tech Zone | — |
| Advanced materials production | Xuancheng ETDZ | Hefei ETDZ |
| Cross-border e-commerce / bonded processing | Anhui Bonded Zone | Hefei ETDZ |
Methodology Notes
Data Sources: All scores and cost data are derived from publicly available government sources (Anhui Provincial Department of Commerce, park administration annual reports), enterprise surveys conducted in Q1–Q2 2026, and on-the-ground interviews with foreign-invested enterprises operating in each park. Cost figures represent mid-range estimates for mid-2026 and may vary based on specific project requirements and negotiation outcomes.
Scoring Scale: 1 = Unfavorable (highest cost, weakest ecosystem), 5 = Favorable (lowest cost, strongest ecosystem). Scores are relative to other parks in Anhui province, not to national benchmarks. A score of 4 or higher indicates a genuine competitive advantage within the province.
Update Frequency: This comparison tool will be updated quarterly. Significant changes in park policies, infrastructure, or cost structures will trigger interim updates as needed.