From borrowing books at public libraries to bank loans, personal and enterprise credit records are growing in value in China.

The first demonstration zone for a social credit system in China, aiming to promote benefits of good credit, is planned for the Yangtze River Delta region, encompassing Shanghai municipality, and the provinces of Jiangsu, Anhui and Zhejiang.

The pilot plan, approved by the National Development and Reform Commission, is expected to help nurture a sound business and social environment in the region and regulate individual behavior based on credit records.