The Lishui AntChain innovation center – located in the Liandu district of Lishui city in East China's Zhejiang province – opened on March 28.

The AntChain is the blockchain subsidiary of Alibaba's financial technology affiliate, Ant Group. Blockchain is an ultra-safe, high-tech encryption system that can be used for financial transactions globally.

The Lishui AntChain innovation center plans to build a digital industry innovation service platform, an innovation incubation center, a training center and an industrial applications center in Lishui.

The innovation center is expected to provide all-round support services for local firms in terms of policies, platforms, technology, talent and capital.

Due to the influence of the AntChain, six companies – including one NASDAQ-listed firm – have been agreed to do business in the Liandu district to date.