Founded in 1988, Wuhan East Lake High-tech Development Zone, East Lake High-tech Zone in short, is also known as "Optics Valley of China (OVC)". Approved by the State Council in succession as one of the first national high-tech zones, the second national innovation demonstration zone, and China (Hubei) Pilot Free Trade Zone - Wuhan Area, the development zone has also been recognized as a national optoelectronic information industrial base, a national bio-industry base, as well as a national innovation and entrepreneurship demonstration base.

Over the past three decades, OVC has consistently focused on developing advanced technologies and achieving industrialization, and has set up two strategic emerging industrial clusters – namely the "Optics, IC, Displays, Terminals and Internet" cluster and the life-health cluster. New economy has been integrated with new consumption, and future industries such as AI, quantum information and brain science are thriving as well, giving rise to the "221" modern industrial system.

Located in the southeast of Wuhan city with a planned area of 518 square kilometers, OVC governs eight sub-districts and eight industrial parks.

It has a permanent population of about 1.18 million, serving more than 2 million people, with an average age of around 32.

OVC has maintained stable and rapid economic growth, becoming one of the most innovative and fastest-growing high-tech zones in China.