Guzhen, the lighting capital of China, is finding new ways to brighten up the life of its residents. Home to 60 percent of the Chinese lighting market, the township is using the revenues generated from its lighting industry to develop its traditional villages and agriculture-based economy.

As the lighting capital of China, Guzhen's stores sell a variety of lights, from crystal chandeliers to the horse decoration pictured above. The horse, with a price tag of 58,800 yuan, is a small purchase in comparison to some of the lights, which can cost up to 400,000 yuan. [Susan Tart/China.org.cn]

"We have to use the lighting industry to feed the agriculture industry," Guzhen Party Secretary Wu Runfu said. The township started specializing in the lighting industry in the 1980s, although still has many rural areas. Wu said it's important to develop the villages and create a good living environment that is suitable for both businesses and residents.

One of Zhongshan's 18 townships, Guzhen has a small population of 69,000 people. However, its migrant population is more than double that of the local residents – there are an estimated 150,000 migrants living in Guzhen.

"The characteristic of Guzhen's economy is to develop a collective economy, especially the village economy," Deputy Party Secretary Chen Zuowang said. To do that, the local government has given the lighting enterprises preferential policies, financing and training, and is encouraging the businesses to form clusters.

"It'll be more convenient for buyers to purchase products and for the whole chain to do the manufacturing," commented Zeng Shuneng, managing director of a 25-storey lighting mall and hotel that opened this year. Outside the mall, another 1,000 stores tower above pedestrians as they walk down the street, built specifically for the lighting industry.

Wu said that by forming clusters, Guzhen's products can now be seen all around the world. The industrial output for the lighting industry last year in Guzhen alone was 22.2 billion yuan, generating a GDP of 7 billion yuan.

The revenue has funded projects such as providing an almost-free healthcare to its citizens, and being the first township in China to provide 15 years of free education to students – as opposed to 9 years in the rest of China.

Wu said migrants enjoy the same medical treatment and pensions as other residents, and hopes to soon extend them the benefits of a free education as well. In order to do this, Wu said the lighting industry must become more energy efficient and environmentally friendly, so as to meet worldwide standards and attract more customers.

Commenting on the city's progress and future development, Wu said, "The lighting industry is more than just a bright industry, it is a bright future."

(China.org.cn by Susan Tart, August 24, 2009)