Core Insights - The 138th Canton Fair concluded with Dongguan achieving an intended transaction amount of $530 million, representing a 15.2% increase compared to the previous session [1] Group 1: Performance Highlights - Dongguan's delegation showcased 210 enterprises with 412 exhibition booths, with 141 advanced manufacturing companies, accounting for 67.1% of the total, focusing on high-tech and specialized products [1] - The fair attracted nearly 200 buyers, with a 5% increase in European clients [1] Group 2: Product Innovations - Dongguan Meijinghong's 20 main products, including handheld vacuum cleaners and robotic vacuums, received over 400,000 intended orders, engaging with more than 80 clients [2] - Guangdong Mufan Optoelectronics presented innovative display products, attracting over 200 professional buyers, including 60 from Europe and Belt and Road countries [2] Group 3: Economic Context - Dongguan's foreign trade import and export total increased by 14.6% year-on-year from January to August, reflecting resilience and further potential through the fair [2] - The upcoming second phase of the Canton Fair will feature 135 Dongguan enterprises focusing on furniture, building materials, and gifts, emphasizing "manufacturing aesthetics" [2]

Core Viewpoint - Dongguan is redefining its manufacturing identity by presenting itself as a "City of Manufacturing Aesthetics" at the 138th Canton Fair, signaling a shift from mere product output to value output in the manufacturing sector [1][2][5]. Group 1: Manufacturing Aesthetics Concept - The concept of "Manufacturing Aesthetics" was systematically introduced by Dongguan in 2024, focusing on six dimensions: design, craftsmanship, production, products, culture, and philosophy [1]. - This initiative aims to inject a more appealing "soul" into Dongguan's robust manufacturing "body," emphasizing the importance of aesthetics in manufacturing [1][6]. - Dongguan's participation in the Canton Fair represents a collective branding effort, showcasing a unified image that highlights the region's commitment to high-quality design and craftsmanship [2][3]. Group 2: Transformation of Dongguan's Manufacturing - Dongguan manufacturers are transitioning from being mere suppliers to solution providers, reflecting a fundamental change in how they present their products [3][4]. - The fair featured a significant increase in "specialized, refined, distinctive, and innovative" enterprises, indicating a shift towards high-quality, niche manufacturing [3]. - Companies are now focusing on creating comprehensive experiences rather than just showcasing individual products, as seen in the home furnishings and electronics sectors [4]. Group 3: Global Trade and Market Positioning - Dongguan's approach to "Manufacturing Aesthetics" is seen as a response to the evolving global trade landscape, positioning itself as a key player in high-quality development within China's manufacturing sector [2][5]. - The city is moving away from traditional labor-intensive industries and is exploring new avenues for brand development and technological innovation [5][6]. - Dongguan's practices illustrate a shift in the global value chain, as companies aim to enhance their positions by focusing on design, sustainability, and brand loyalty [6][7].

Core Insights - The 138th Canton Fair concluded with Dongguan's delegation achieving an intended transaction amount of $530 million, reflecting a 15.2% increase compared to the previous session, showcasing the competitiveness and resilience of Dongguan manufacturing in the international market [1] Group 1: Performance Metrics - A total of 157,946 overseas buyers attended the fair, representing a 6.3% increase from the previous session, with participants from 222 countries and regions [1] - Dongguan's 210 participating companies included 141 advanced manufacturing enterprises, accounting for 67.1% of the exhibitors, indicating a continuous optimization of the exhibiting company structure [1] Group 2: Product Highlights - The new generation smart thermal imaging camera UTi760X from Youlide Technology attracted significant attention from overseas industrial buyers due to its high resolution and thermal sensitivity [2] - Dongguan Meijinghong's 20 main products, including handheld vacuum cleaners and sweeping robots, received over 400,000 intended orders, engaging with more than 80 clients [4] Group 3: Strategic Initiatives - Dongguan's participation in the fair was marked by a unified branding as "Manufacturing Aesthetics City," which helped attract global buyers from Southeast Asia, Europe, and the Middle East [1] - The fair included targeted matchmaking events, such as ASEAN supply-demand meetings and trade exchanges with Latin America, facilitating trade connections for Dongguan enterprises [4][5] Group 4: Future Outlook - Dongguan is preparing for the second phase of the Canton Fair with 135 participating companies focusing on furniture, building materials, and gifts, emphasizing "manufacturing aesthetics" [5] - The city plans to host various events during the fair to enhance product display and brand promotion, aiming to further solidify its position in the global market [5]

Core Viewpoint - Dongguan showcases its "Manufacturing Aesthetics City" image at the 138th Canton Fair, highlighting the city's innovative upgrade in manufacturing and its strong market competitiveness [1][2][4]. Group 1: Event Overview - The 138th Canton Fair opened on October 15, featuring Dongguan's debut as "Manufacturing Aesthetics City" with a focus on brand building and consumer interaction [1]. - Dongguan's participation includes 476 companies with a total of 1,000 exhibition booths, marking a historical high with a 42 booth increase from the previous year [4][5]. Group 2: Economic Performance - Dongguan's foreign trade from January to August reached 1,025.61 billion, a year-on-year increase of 14.6%, significantly higher than national and provincial averages [4]. - Exports totaled 629.68 billion, growing by 9.0%, while imports surged by 24.9% to 395.92 billion [4]. Group 3: Product Innovation - Dongguan companies are emphasizing "Manufacturing Aesthetics" to enhance product value and international appeal, with innovative designs and functionalities showcased at the fair [6][7]. - Notable products include high-speed hair dryers and curling irons from Dongjing Electric, which integrate advanced technology for improved user experience [6]. Group 4: Marketing and Promotion - Dongguan is leveraging the Canton Fair to enhance its global brand presence through various promotional activities, including targeted procurement meetings and product showcases [8][9]. - The city plans to host a series of events to connect with global buyers and showcase its manufacturing capabilities, further promoting its unique industrial image [9].

Core Viewpoint - Dongguan's transformation from a "world factory" to a "manufacturing aesthetic city" is driven by policies as the "soil cultivator," talent as the "population," and the industrial ecosystem providing the "climate and environment" [18]. Group 1: Historical Context of Dongguan Manufacturing - Dongguan has evolved from a "processing trade" hub to a center for major brands like OPPO, vivo, and Huawei, reflecting the broader narrative of China's manufacturing upgrade [2]. - The book "New Dongguan Manufacturing" aims to present how the city has transitioned from a manufacturing base to a city of manufacturing aesthetics through report literature [2][4]. Group 2: Insights from the Interview - The authors chose report literature to provide a more humanistic and artistic perspective on Dongguan's manufacturing story, emphasizing the importance of people and their experiences [8]. - The narrative structure of the book moves from macro to micro perspectives, focusing on individual stories to illustrate the broader economic phenomena [9]. Group 3: Challenges and Resilience - The 2008 financial crisis prompted many Dongguan entrepreneurs to pivot and innovate, leading to the emergence of brands like "Dibao" and "Moshi" [11]. - Dongguan's unique development path has often been overshadowed by its proximity to Guangzhou and Shenzhen, with many still viewing it as merely a "processing base" [10]. Group 4: Key Transition Points - Dongguan's transformation involved several key stages, including the shift from agriculture to industrialization and the establishment of the Songshan Lake High-tech Zone, marking a transition from population-driven growth to innovation-driven development [14][15]. Group 5: Future Opportunities and Risks - Dongguan faces three main opportunities: high-end ascension amid industrial chain restructuring, new avenues in the context of carbon neutrality, and the integration of digitalization with traditional manufacturing [20]. - The city must navigate risks such as the migration of low-value-added production to Southeast Asia, technological competition, and the challenge of achieving carbon neutrality while maintaining competitiveness [20]. Group 6: Manufacturing Aesthetics and Urban Development - Dongguan needs to enhance its industrial design and cultural soft power while updating urban spaces to embody "manufacturing aesthetics," which can help reshape its image from a "world factory" to a city of beauty and innovation [25][26]. - The integration of industry and urban space in areas like Songshan Lake and the Coastal Bay New Area reflects a new industrial city model that harmonizes industry, city, and nature [26]. Group 7: Lessons for Other Cities - Dongguan's experience highlights the importance of being an "entity-based city" and adapting to changing circumstances, emphasizing the need for continuous evolution rather than being defined by past successes [27].

Core Insights - Dongguan represents a significant symbol in the narrative of Chinese manufacturing, evolving from a "world factory" to a "manufacturing aesthetic city" with brands like OPPO, vivo, and Huawei [1][4][5] - The book "Manufacturing New Dongguan" aims to present a multi-dimensional and human-centered view of Dongguan's manufacturing journey, moving beyond traditional economic narratives [4][5] Dongguan's Manufacturing History - The collaboration between the authors was driven by a desire to explore Dongguan's unique development path, which is often overshadowed by nearby cities like Guangzhou and Shenzhen [4][5] - The narrative strategy of the book transitions from macro to micro perspectives, emphasizing the human stories behind economic phenomena [4][5] Resilience and Transformation - The 2008 financial crisis prompted many Dongguan entrepreneurs to pivot their businesses, showcasing the region's resilience and adaptability [5][6] - Notable examples include brands like "Dibao" and "Moshi," which transitioned from OEM to independent design and branding [5][6] Key Transition Points - Dongguan's transformation involved several critical stages, including rural industrialization and the establishment of the Songshan Lake High-tech Zone, marking a shift from labor-driven to innovation-driven development [7][8] - The rise of OPPO and vivo exemplifies this transition from manufacturing to intelligent manufacturing, highlighting the city's commitment to innovation [8] Opportunities and Challenges - Dongguan faces pressures from industrial chain migration, technological competition, and the need for green transformation, but also sees opportunities in high-end ascension, new energy sectors, and digital integration [11][12] - The city's ability to innovate and adapt is seen as a key strength in navigating these challenges [11][12] Manufacturing Aesthetics - The concept of "manufacturing aesthetics" is proposed as a new label for Dongguan, emphasizing the need for enhanced industrial design, cultural soft power, and urban renewal [15][16] - The integration of industry and city, as seen in Songshan Lake and Binhai Bay, reflects a new industrial urban form that harmonizes industry, city, and nature [16][17] Lessons for Other Cities - Dongguan's experience highlights the importance of being entity-driven and adaptable, suggesting that continuous evolution is crucial for urban development [17]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the launch of the "Rongsheng Governance Community Model" in Dongguan, aimed at promoting cultural integration and rural revitalization through various community-driven initiatives and activities [3][6][72]. Group 1: Activities and Initiatives - The "Rongsheng Governance Community Model" was introduced during the launch of the "Hundred Counties, Thousand Towns, and Ten Thousand Villages High-Quality Development Project" series of activities [3][6]. - A series of activities titled "Civilized Rural Customs Enrich Dongguan" and a public welfare creative competition "Hundred Thousand Million·Benefit Together" were initiated to enhance community engagement [4][5][10]. - The establishment of the "Dongguan Urban-Rural Civilization Integration Innovation Laboratory" in collaboration with Dongguan University of Technology aims to foster cultural integration [5][6]. Group 2: Cultural Empowerment and Community Engagement - Dongguan plans to implement seven major pathways including creation, competition, performance, evaluation, exhibition, tourism, and dissemination to build a cultural practice platform that encourages community participation [16][17]. - The city will focus on local cultural resources, such as farmer paintings and regional specialties, to promote community events like "Village Super" and "Village BA" to enhance local engagement and economic activity [20][21][22]. - The "Benefit Together" public welfare creative competition aims to gather community creativity and invigorate local cultural initiatives [22][24]. Group 3: Governance and Community Cohesion - The article emphasizes the importance of cultural revitalization as a foundation for rural revitalization and community cohesion in Dongguan [35][41]. - The "Rongsheng Governance Community Model" is seen as a way to enhance social governance and cultural identity among diverse populations in Dongguan, particularly in areas with high non-resident populations [58][62]. - The research on the governance model included six villages, highlighting their unique cultural characteristics and contributions to community development [72][75][80]. Group 4: Cultural Heritage and Future Directions - Dongguan's rich cultural heritage, shaped by historical and regional influences, is being leveraged to foster a unique model of industrial and cultural integration [39][70]. - The concept of "Manufacturing Aesthetics" was introduced as a new direction for Dongguan's manufacturing sector, aiming to combine technical innovation with cultural and design elements [44][47][50]. - The article concludes that the "Rongsheng Governance Community Model" not only reflects on the historical cultural ties of Dongguan but also aims to instill cultural confidence and drive high-quality urban-rural development [81][82].

Core Insights - The Greater Bay Area (Dongguan) Brand Development Conference was held, launching the "Guanpin 100 Star Plan" aimed at brand incubation, cross-border resource integration, and industry research to help local enterprises build a global brand ecosystem [1][5] - Dongguan has transformed from an "international manufacturing city" to a "brand capital," emphasizing the integration of manufacturing and aesthetics, and introducing the concept of "manufacturing aesthetics" [1][2] Group 1 - The "Guanpin 100 Star Plan" will support 100 enterprises over two years through training, seminars, and consulting to enhance brand marketing and create successful case studies [1][3] - The first batch of 50 participating companies spans various industries, including food, textiles, toys, electronics, new materials, and intelligent manufacturing [1] Group 2 - The Greater Bay Area Brand Development Center was established in collaboration with Hong Kong Heng Seng University, Dongguan Polytechnic Institute, and Dongguan Fashion Creative Industrial Design Research Institute to promote industry-academia collaboration and provide comprehensive brand solutions [3][4] - The center will conduct consumer behavior research and organize brand study tours to help enterprises understand foreign brands and develop tailored branding solutions [3] Group 3 - With the establishment of the Greater Bay Area Brand Development Center and the implementation of the "Guanpin 100 Star Plan," Dongguan is expected to become a model for Chinese brands in global competition, promoting "Guanpai" brands worldwide [5]