Editor's note: The "Exploring Guangdong along coastline" event was officially launched on October 30, 2023, guided by the Cyberspace Administration of China and hosted by the Cyberspace Administration of the Guangdong Provincial Committee. From October 30 to November 5, more than 100 journalists from central and provincial key media outlets, along with experts, scholars in the field of marine economy, and renowned vloggers, embarked on a journey to explore Guangdong's 14 coastal cities through three routes: East, West, and Central.
As a coastal city in Guangdong with a colossal port, Dongguan was one of the key cities visited during this media tour. Dongguan sun0769 Net and DongguanToday were invited to participate in this event and will be releasing a series of reports to show Guangdong's maritime strength.
A foreign media delegation participating in the "Explore Guangdong Along the Coastline" event arrived in Dongguan, the 15th city in China boasting a GDP of one trillion yuan and a population of ten million. They embarked on a captivating journey into the world of cutting-edge technology, exquisite art toys, and unique "Tanka (疍家)" culture. As one of Guangdong's 14 coastal cities, Dongguan plays a pivotal role at the nexus of the Dongjiang River and the Shiziyang Ocean, with an expansive marine area of 82.57 square kilometers and a coastline stretching over 112.20 kilometers.
Dongguan's Technological Prowess: A Surprise Awaits
"Presently surprised!" Colombia native, Fernando Munoz Bernal, a resident of Dongguan for over 20 years, was captivated once again by the city's technological marvels. The medias' first stop was Guangdong Yidong Technology Co., LTD. (ePropulsion), a company specializing in electric propulsion equipment for boats. Fernando expressed great interest in the company's underwater engines. He was genuinely amazed by the capabilities of these motors, emphasizing their potential to revolutionize sailing. "The eco-friendly, noiseless, and easy-to-maintain engines are set to transform the sailing industry and benefit the environment significantly." His pride in this innovation taking place in his hometown Dongguan was palpable.
Danny Tao, founder and CEO of ePropulsion, said that Dongguan's technological advancements were a primary reason for establishing the company's headquarters here. The support from the local government and proximity to suppliers had streamlined their supply chain. The rapid development of science and technology in Dongguan underscores the efficiency and innovation that has marked the city as a hub for high-tech enterprises. "The local government supported us quite a lot at the beginning, and they give us permission to test our products in Songshan Lake," he said.Aniello Puorto, journalist to China and Asia of the Rai-Tg1 Italian National Television, commended ePropulsion's technology, foreseeing an immeasurable impact on maritime energy systems, emphasizing the drive towards energy efficiency and green maritime development.Dongguan: Capital of Art Toys in China
Dongguan, with an average age of permanent residents at 33.4 years old, has rapidly evolved to embrace the "Z era" consumption trend. Leveraging its industrial foundation in animation, toys, and clothing, the city has transformed into a global nexus of fashion gaming. Art toys have emerged as a vibrant force, reshaping the city's cultural identity.The media delegation visited Dongguan Weishi Cultural and Technology Co., Ltd., situated in Liaobu. Here, they were greeted by a stunning array of culturally rich and artistically valuable art toys, including the "Landmarks," "Dancing Lion," and "Star Wars." These high-end designs, infused with a contemporary and trendy aesthetic, left the delegation in awe.Zhou Xingyu, the Head of the News Department at Europa China TV (EZTV), expressed, "The development of Dongguan's art toy industry is astonishing and has completely changed my perception of Dongguan. During this visit, I've not only seen numerous innovative and youthful designs, but learned that these art toys are being exported overseas and have great development potential. In the future, they will drive Dongguan to create another development miracle. Moreover, these trendy products are immensely popular among the youth, which has given us inspiration for our media coverage. We also hope to use these youthful and trendy approaches to attract young audiences in Europe, and Dongguan serves as an excellent platform for our promotion."
Qi Jige, Macao Monthly's Deputy Director, lauded Dongguan's advanced technology and fine product quality. He emphasized that the organic integration of these innovative products with traditional culture breathed new life and meaning into them, making a profound impression. As an emerging industry, Dongguan's art toy sector is gaining tremendous momentum and promises a bright future.Discovering Dongguan's Unique Culture
In the afternoon, the delegation delved into the rich cultural heritage of Dongguan at the Shatian Culture and Art Center, exploring "Tanka" culture. During her visit to the Dongguan Shatian Cultural and Art Center, Neslihan Kilavuz, a YouTuber from Turkey, was awestruck by the magnificent hundred-meter-long scroll created by local artist Guo Shurong. The scroll depicted a touching story of the early settlers of Shatian, the "Tanka" people, as they persevered through the trials and tribulations of life, eventually building their homes on the silted shores.
Colombia vlogger was taking photo with local artist Guo Shurong.
"This museum was very impressive to me because every detail in that museum was so real and it just made me feel like I lived the time with them together. And the Dongguan culture is very rich to me, I made a Guancao(莞草) rabbit with the grass that can stay for like 50 years." Neslihan added, "I love it and I enjoy a lot every single moment in Dongguan. I will definitely recommend the charming city to my friends, family and fans!"
Neslihan learned how to make a rabbit with Guancao.
Guancao ("莞草") was another highlight of the exhibition, which is recognized as a municipal-level intangible cultural heritage project. Intriguingly, the town has seamlessly integrated art, fashion, and other elements into Guancao weaving, creating a range of aesthetically pleasing products, including Guancao paintings, Guancao screens, Guancao sofas, and more. These exquisite woven creations have caught the attention of international media, with foreign media teams flocking to capture the resurgent vitality of the age-old Guancao culture.
YOON SEOKJEONG, a reporter from South Korean MBN Television, couldn't help but be captivated by this unique blend of tradition and modernity. "I believe this is a city where cutting-edge enterprises seamlessly blend with traditional culture. I really love it. In the afternoon, we visited Shatian Cultural and Art Center, delving into new aspects of traditional culture. I also learned and made a Guancao rabbit myself. It was a truly enjoyable experience." His exposure to Dongguan's advanced underwater engine technology, exquisite 3D metal puzzles, and distinctive "Tanka" culture had him beaming with enthusiasm.
As a journalist from the Kurdistan Region of Iraq and for the only Kurdish media in China, Mahdi Faraj Hamid, found himself really enjoyed all the region in South China, especially in Dongguan. "I love technology and all these nice, well-designed and well-shaped toys, which is so impressive and so new for me. I will cover and I will tell people how productive, how developed, how prosperous and active region is this region in China mainland."Dongguan's thriving technology and culture have undoubtedly left an indelible mark on the international media. Its remarkable strides in technological innovation and its vibrant cultural heritage have made it an attractive global destination. Dongguan's future is poised to be even more captivating, and these impressions will undoubtedly inspire a wider audience to explore the city's unique charms and contributions to the global landscape.
Source: Dongguan Today
