Nestled in the Chinese mainland's Jiangsu Province, Danyang – a city of fewer than one million residents – has quietly become the beating heart of the global eyewear industry. Its journey from regional manufacturer to optical powerhouse offers a masterclass in industrial evolution.
"Every visit here feels like stepping into the future of eyewear,"
remarked a Turkish industry veteran who's sourced lenses here for 50 years. His sentiment reflects Danyang's unique formula: combining scale (1,600+ businesses), affordability, and relentless innovation.
The numbers speak volumes – 50% of global optical lenses and 75% of China's domestic supply originate from this county-level city. With annual output nearing $2.8 billion, Danyang's 50,000-strong workforce continues expanding its industrial ecosystem despite recent U.S. tariff impacts.
Local enterprises reported $2.5 billion in H1 2024 trade volume, a 2.8% year-on-year increase. This resilience stems from strategic adaptations: diversifying export markets, investing in smart manufacturing, and developing premium products. As one factory manager noted, "We're not just making lenses – we're engineering light."
From automated production lines to customized 3D-printed frames, Danyang's transformation exemplifies how traditional manufacturing hubs can reinvent themselves through technological adoption and global market agility.
