Core Insights - The article highlights the emergence of cross-border e-commerce in inland regions of China, particularly through the story of Deng Qi, who successfully established a clothing brand in his hometown of Xuancheng, Anhui [1][3]. Group 1: Background and Initial Challenges - Deng Qi returned to Xuancheng in 2020 after working in the garment export industry for ten years, aiming to create a new path in his hometown [3]. - Upon starting his business, he faced skepticism from locals and struggled with limited orders and funding, operating from a small rented space with minimal resources [4]. - His initial venture into children's clothing failed, leading to doubts about his business direction [5]. Group 2: Turning Point and Growth - A pivotal moment occurred when Deng learned from a peer about the rising demand for men's T-shirts, prompting him to pivot his business model [6]. - In 2021, he made a significant investment by mortgaging his property to establish a small factory, initially employing a minimal team [6][7]. - Customer feedback played a crucial role in product improvement, leading to a surge in sales and positioning his T-shirts among the top ten in the men's clothing category on AliExpress [7][9]. Group 3: Market Expansion and Competitive Advantage - By 2023, Deng discovered the "full management" model on AliExpress, which allowed him to focus on production while the platform handled logistics and operations, significantly reducing costs [9]. - Orders increased dramatically, and the local textile industry in Xuancheng began to thrive, with over 200 cross-border stores emerging and local factories adapting to seasonal demands [9][10]. Group 4: Advantages of Inland E-commerce - Deng emphasized that inland regions possess three key advantages: lower costs in labor, facilities, and logistics; greater resilience among entrepreneurs; and a fresh perspective from younger generations who understand international markets [11][12][13]. - He noted that while platforms are essential for initial growth, establishing an independent website is crucial for long-term brand development and customer retention [14]. Group 5: Current Operations and Future Outlook - Deng's factory continues to operate efficiently, utilizing AI quality control systems to maintain a low defect rate of 0.8% [14]. - His journey illustrates that cross-border e-commerce is a viable path for inland entrepreneurs, encouraging others to leverage platform models before transitioning to independent branding strategies [14].