Exploring Guizhou: How Gen Z Visitors Discover Local Products for Global Markets
In the mountainous region of Guizhou, located in southwest China, industries previously overlooked for their global potential are making significant strides into international markets. Notably, Guizhou is home to some of the world's most unique and high-demand products, such as matcha, which is capturing the attention of young global consumers.
A recent exploration by a group of Gen Z visitors revealed the incredible journey of Guizhou's matcha industry, particularly at the world's largest matcha refining facility in Tongren. This facility stands as a testament to modern innovation, where automated production lines diligently process green tea, ensuring quality that meets both local and international consumer standards. Reportedly, Tongren's matcha production accounts for one in every five cups of matcha enjoyed worldwide, generating a remarkable output value of 750 million yuan (about USD 105 million).
The experience was particularly eye-opening for Mauro, a young visitor from Brazil, who reflected on how this globally competitive production creates economic opportunities for rural communities. The local industry’s connection with 73 upstream partner companies and 13,300 hectares of tea plantations has established a solid supply chain that links local farmers to global markets. Financial and technical support empower these farmers, bringing them closer to market demands and enhancing their livelihoods through improved access to the supply chain.
But matcha isn't the only product connecting Guizhou with the world. In Jinping County, the local industry suggests that approximately one in every ten shuttlecocks used globally is produced here. This astonishing fact is backed by a comprehensive supply chain that extends from goose farming to advanced feather sorting and intelligent manufacturing practices.
The exploration also brought insights on Guizhou's burgeoning industry in advanced functional materials, particularly for electric vehicles and renewable energy sectors. This surprised visitor Nim Jiratchaya from Thailand, whose family owns a Chinese electric vehicle. He learned that some essential components of their vehicle are derived from Guizhou, highlighting the province's crucial role in the supply chain of modern technology.
As digitalization reshapes traditional manufacturing, Guizhou is not falling behind. The Guizhou Tyre company operates an intelligent plant recognized for its commitment to advanced manufacturing technologies. It’s a proud member of the World Economic Forum's Global Lighthouse Network, showcasing its ability to integrate advanced technology at scale. The use of photovoltaic power, renewable electricity sourcing, and waste-heat recovery systems point towards a sustainable future driven by innovative practices.
Infrastructure also plays a pivotal role in bridging Guizhou with wider markets. Remarkably, nearly half of the world's highest bridges are found in this mountainous area, addressing longstanding challenges in transport and economic connectivity. Such advancements are crucial for enhancing the movement of goods and people, fostering economic growth in the province.
For the Gen Z group visiting Guizhou, this journey was about understanding the intricate web of connections that extend from local resources to national and global markets. As they explored the realms of tea production, badminton equipment, advanced materials, and tyre manufacturing, it became clear how specialized industries, infrastructure investments, and local resources converge, enabling communities in southwest China's mountains to flourish within an increasingly global economy. This experience opened their eyes to a China less seen, beyond the recognizable urban landscapes and coastal manufacturing hubs, revealing the rich tapestry of innovation that exists in the heart of Guizhou.