The Guangdong province of China is among the most industrially developed regions in China. This coastal province is located in South China and has a population of over 126 million spread across an area of 69,400 square miles. It is the most populous and wealthiest province in the People’s Republic of China. Guangdong is the leading manufacturing and trading hub of the country and accounts for about 11% of the economic output of China. Guangzhou is the capital of the province and the largest city in the province.
Guangdong consists of Shenzhen and Guangzhou, two of the top four Chinese cities and two leading prefecture-level cities in the country by GDP. These two are also the most populous megacities in the world. Guangdong province is divided into 21 prefectures, 121 counties, and over 1,600 rural and urban townships.
The cities of Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Foshan, Zhongshan, Dongguan, Jiangmen, Zhaoqing, Huizhou, and Zhuhai are part of the Pearl River Delta Economic zone, a major hub for foreign trading, technology, and manufacturing.
Production locations in Guangdong
The key production locations in Guangdong are:
- Guangzhou
- Shenzhen
- Dongguan
- Foshan
- Zhongshan
- Chaozhou
- Zhuhai
- Zhanjiang
- Shaoguan
- Yunfu
- Jiangmen
- Huizhou
If you are planning to source materials from this leading manufacturing hub in China, you need to know what type of products are being made in the province of Guangdong.
1. Guangzhou
Guangzhou is the capital city of Guangdong province and China’s third largest city. It is an industrial city specializing in hotel operating supplies and equipment manufacturing and supplying. This will include electronics, kitchen equipment, cleaning supplies, decorative accessories, chinaware, guestroom amenities, crockery and glassware, restaurant equipment, housekeeping, flatware, towels, bed linens, etc. Guangzhou is also famous for its Canton Fair or China Import and Export Fair which has been held every year in spring and autumn since 1957.
2. Shenzhen
The city of Shenzhen is located near Hong Kong and is specialized in electronics and state-of-the-art technology. It is one of the most prosperous cities in the world and is also known as the electronics capital of China. Businesses across the world source quality electronic products at the cheapest prices from Shenzhen. The region specializes in electronic materials like drones, mobile phones, ACs, TVs, home appliances, LEDs, cameras, etc.
3. Zhongshan
This industrially diverse city located in the south of the Pearl River Delta Economic zone is another LED and lighting products manufacturing hub. Guzhen, a small area within the city of Zhongshan is known as the lighting capital of China. There are several lamp factories and showrooms that offer a wide range of lighting products. Dongfeng is known for the manufacturing of household electrical appliances and Xiaolan specializes in the manufacturing of electronic acoustics and hardware products.
4. Chaozhou
Chaozhou is the easternmost region of the Guangdong province and is located north of Shantou city and the Han River delta that flows through the city. The region is mainly popular for the manufacturing of sanitary ware products and ceramic products. Several sanitary ware manufacturers in Chaozhou offer the latest sanitary products with modern designs at very affordable prices.
5. Foshan
Foshan is the third largest industrial region in Guangdong, after Guangzhou and Shenzhen. Foshan is the leading furniture producing area in China and has several furniture and machinery manufacturing factories located throughout the region. Shunde, the world’s biggest wholesale furniture market is located in Foshan. It is also the largest furniture distribution center in the world. Some notable places for sourcing furniture from Foshan are Tuanyi International Furniture City, Sun-link Furniture Wholesale Market, Lecong International Exhibition Center, and Louvre Furniture Mall.
6. Dongguan
Dongguan is a significant industrial city in the Pearl River Delta region of China, known for housing the largest cluster of electronic and electrical equipment manufacturers. This city plays a crucial role in the production of toys and plastic moldings, making it a vital hub for these industries. Notable towns within Dongguan, such as Zhangmutou, Huangjiang, Changping, and Chang’an, are particularly recognized for their expertise in plastic moldings and other manufacturing processes. Dongguan's strategic location and advanced manufacturing capabilities have positioned it as a key player in both domestic and international markets, contributing to China's reputation as a global manufacturing powerhouse.
7. Yunfu
Yunfu, a prefecture-level city in western Guangdong, is renowned for its abundant mineral resources, boasting over 250 certified mines. The city specializes in manufacturing and exporting a variety of stone products, including quartz, granite, marble, and pyrite. Yunfu's rich mineral deposits and thriving stone industry have earned it the nickname "stone capital of China." The city's strategic location and well-developed mining sector contribute significantly to its economic growth and position as a key player in the regional mineral trade.
8. Zhuhai
Zhuhai, a prefecture-level city in southern Guangdong, is situated on the southeastern edge of the Pearl River Delta and the central coast. The city's industries primarily focus on precision machinery, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and petrochemicals. Zhuhai's strategic location and specialized industrial base have contributed to its economic growth and position as a key player in the regional manufacturing landscape. The city's commitment to developing these high-tech sectors positions it favorably for future development, attracting investment and talent from around the world.
9. Zhanjiang
Zhanjiang is a key port city in Guangdong, known for its diversified industrial base. The city features a shipyard, automobile manufacturing, sugar refineries, and high-quality paper-making industries. Additionally, Zhanjiang is home to small household electrical appliance manufacturers, contributing to its economic growth. The port's strategic location enhances trade opportunities, making Zhanjiang an essential hub for various industries. With its commitment to industrial development and modernization, Zhanjiang continues to attract investment and foster economic expansion, solidifying its role as a significant player in the regional economy and contributing to the overall growth of Guangdong province.
10. Shaoguan
Shaoguan is the northernmost city in Guangdong province and a leading manufacturer of iron and steel in China. The city is home to Guangdong Shaoguan Iron and Steel Co., which is a major player in the steel industry. Established in 1966, this company produces a wide range of steel products, contributing significantly to the local economy. With advanced technology and a focus on high-quality production, Shaoguan Iron and Steel has become an essential part of the region's industrial landscape. The city's strategic location and robust infrastructure further enhance its role in the iron and steel sector, making it a key industrial hub in Guangdong.
11. Jiangmen
Jiangmen is the second-largest port city in Guangdong. The manufacturing sector plays a significant role in the economy of the city. Major industries in the city include sanitary ware, bathroom accessories, packaging material, shipbuilding, machinery, electronics, and household appliances. Some leading brands that have factories in the city include Hyundai, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Panasonic, Tesco, ABB Group, BP, Veolia, and Asia Pacific Resources International Holdings.
12. Huizhou
Huizhou is situated in the central-east region of Guangdong province and borders Dongguan, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen. The city has an export-oriented economy and depends largely on manufacturing industries. The industries in the city majorly support electronics, petrochemicals, and the automotive industry. The city produces about one-sixth of China’s and one-eighth of the world’s mobile phones. Huizhou is also the leading guitar manufacturer, producing about 25% of the world’s guitar production.
Guangdong is the most industrially developed province of China and houses some of the key industrial hubs of the country, such as Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Shantou, Zhongshan, and Foshan. The province also accounts for one-third of China’s exports. If you are looking to source products from China, Guangdong can be your go-to destination. However, different cities in the province are specialized in different products. We hope this guide will help you find the right city to source the products you are looking for.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Guangdong province is a vital manufacturing hub in China, distinguished by its diverse production capabilities and significant economic output. With a population exceeding 126 million and a strategic coastal location, Guangdong is the most populous and wealthiest province in the country, contributing approximately 11% of China’s total economic output. The province’s key cities, including Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Foshan, and Dongguan, play essential roles in its industrial landscape, each specializing in unique products that cater to both domestic and international markets.
Guangzhou, the provincial capital, is a center for hotel operating supplies and equipment, producing a wide range of items such as electronics, kitchen equipment, and decorative accessories. Shenzhen, located near Hong Kong, is renowned as the electronics capital of China, specializing in high-tech devices like smartphones, drones, and home appliances. Foshan stands out as the leading furniture manufacturing region, housing the world’s largest wholesale furniture market in Shunde. Dongguan is known for its electronic and toy production, housing a significant cluster of manufacturers.
Other cities in Guangdong, such as Zhongshan and Chaozhou, contribute to the production of lighting and sanitaryware, respectively. The province’s commitment to innovation and the development of advanced industrial clusters continues to attract foreign investment, positioning it favorably in the global market. For businesses and investors looking to source products, Guangdong offers a wealth of opportunities across various industries. Understanding the specific strengths of each city is crucial for navigating this dynamic industrial landscape, making Guangdong a key destination for trade and manufacturing in China.