It does not sound that way. The source of the article is from here.
The original words are "长征八号火箭目前在推进融合型研制。姜杰说,未来长征八号火箭将采用两个助推器与芯一级不分离的集束回收方式。
同时,长征八号火箭预计将在今年完成垂直起降关键技术的演示验证。"
Translation, "In the mean time, CZ-8 is planned to conduct demonstration and verification of VTVL key technology". What is to be done is "demo of key tech". It does not sound like launching a full rocket. It could be launching and landing the full-sized first stage bundle, or down-scaled first stage bundle. If it was the full rocket test, they would not have used the word "key tech demo&verification".