The exploitation of Panxi resources is a microcosm of the western region development in China. In a sense, its boom or bust is the direct result of the national strategy adjustment in the past more than 50 years. Under the new background, the success of Panxi Strategic Resources Innovation Development Experimental Zone depends on whether to find the strategic orientation of the national strategic space. From two dimensions both history and reality, and the national and local level, there are significant differences on the strategic positioning.Understanding these differences is the key to design the right development path.