From smartphones to kitchen appliances, products labeled "Made in China" are ubiquitous in daily life worldwide. But behind this label lies a story of tradition, innovation, and community-driven industries shaping global markets. A recent exploration of China's manufacturing hubs reveals how small towns like Liuyang are balancing centuries-old practices with cutting-edge trends to maintain their competitive edge.
Liuyang: Where Fireworks Meet the Future
Nestled in Hunan Province, Liuyang has been the heart of fireworks production for over 1,400 years. Today, it supplies 60% of the world's pyrotechnics, generating over $6.96 billion annually. Skilled workers—often women from multi-generational families—still hand-stuff gunpowder into containers using methods unchanged since the Tang Dynasty. Production facilities wind through mountainous terrain, a safety measure preserving both tradition and worker well-being.
Yet Liuyang isn't resting on its legacy. Innovators are creating colored smoke for gender-reveal parties and designing shells with explosions spanning half a mile. Gen Z-led startups are challenging established brands, proving adaptability is key to longevity. As one worker noted: "We honor our history, but our eyes are on tomorrow."
This blend of heritage and modernity extends beyond fireworks. Three other cities—Changle, Kunshan, and Cixi—are similarly redefining industries like textiles, electronics, and appliances, demonstrating how localized expertise fuels global supply chains.
