Editor's note: The "Explore 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.
On November 2, the 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, art toys, and the 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 Marvels: 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. Their 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 was palpable.
Danny Tao, founder and CEO of the firm, explained 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.
Italian National Television journalist Aniello Puorto commended ePropulsion's technology, foreseeing an immeasurable impact on maritime energy systems, emphasizing the drive towards energy efficiency and green maritime development.
Dongguan: The Hub of Art Toys
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 "Ten Miles of Red Makeup," "Awakening Lion," and the "Thousand-Angle Lamp." These high-end designs, infused with a contemporary and trendy aesthetic, left the delegation in awe.
Macao News Agency's Deputy Director, Qi Jige, 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
The delegation delved into the rich cultural heritage of Dongguan at the Shatin Culture and Art Center, exploring "Tanka (疍家)” culture. Neslihan Kilavuz, a YouTuber from Turkey, was deeply impressed by the visit. The museum's details transported her back in time, allowing her to immerse herself in the unique culture of Dongguan. She expressed her delight and pledged to recommend the charming city to her friends, family, and followers.
“This museum was very impressive to me because every detail in that museum was so real and it just made me feel like go to that time and make 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. So cute. I love it and I enjoy a lot every single moment in Dongguan.” Neslihan added.
South Korean MBN Television reporter YOON SEOKJEONG couldn't hide his excitement. His exposure to Dongguan's advanced underwater engine technology, exquisite metal jigsaw puzzles, and distinctive "疍家" culture had him beaming with enthusiasm. He marveled at Dongguan's unique blend of cutting-edge enterprise and traditional culture, leaving him with an outstanding impression.
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, but 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.
