Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the rise of the express delivery industry in China, particularly focusing on the "Three Links and One Reach" (Shentong, Yunda, Yuantong, and Zhongtong) and their roots in the small county of Tonglu, Zhejiang, which is recognized as the "Hometown of Private Express" in China [6][7][12]. Group 1: Industry Overview - The "Three Links and One Reach" companies dominate the Chinese express delivery market, holding over 60% market share as of 2024 [6]. - Tonglu County is set to become a significant logistics hub with the establishment of "Tongda Future City," which will house the second headquarters of the "Three Links and One Reach" companies [9][10]. - The logistics industry in Tonglu is expected to form a large industrial cluster, attracting numerous upstream and downstream enterprises [12][56]. Group 2: Historical Context - The founders of the "Three Links and One Reach" companies originated from Tonglu, with a notable figure being Nie Tengfei, the founder of Shentong, who is regarded as the pioneer of private express delivery in China [14][17][22]. - The express delivery business began in the early 1990s, with Shentong being one of the first private companies to break the monopoly of the postal service [22][23]. - The initial success of Shentong was driven by a small team that effectively utilized local resources and community trust to expand their operations [27][36]. Group 3: Recent Developments - The "Tongda Future City" project, with a total investment of 13 billion yuan, aims to integrate technology and logistics, featuring various headquarters and innovation centers [52][54]. - The city is expected to focus on technological innovation, with companies like Chenchen Technology and Zhejiang Inline Power establishing operations to enhance logistics efficiency [56][57]. - The development of "Tongda Future City" represents a significant shift from labor-intensive to technology-driven logistics solutions, showcasing the evolution of the industry in Tonglu [63].