There are bound to be many enlightening experiences on a tour of Zhongshan's townships, but none could be so literal as Guzhen. Zhongshan's economic planners have been encouraging each township to focus on a single product, and Guzhen has become the brightest in China. Located about 30 minutes to the northwest of Zhongshan City, it is the largest producer of lights and light fixtures, supplying between 50 and 60 per cent of the national market.
Guzhen is obviously best visited at night, and the place to stroll is Zhongxing Road. You won't need any help finding the 7-km stretch, with nearly 1,000 lighting shops and innovative displays of light fixtures and streetlamps on the pavements. Guzhen Lighting Plaza, covering an area of 60,000 sq m, also warrants a visit if you're in the market for lights or light fixtures.
Aside from the 1,800 lighting enterprises employing more than 40,000 people, the township also is a major centre for flowers, plants, and trees. Designated one of Guangdong's 'top 10 demonstration areas for agricultural modernization' in 1999, Guzhen is planning to build a massive ecological arboretum. Other key industries include chemicals, construction and decoration materials, hardware and locks, logistics, paint, plastic and machinery processing, and tourism.
With a permanent population of 66,000 and a floating population of 70,000, Guzhen has successfully attracted a growing amount of foreign investment in recent years. It is also home to Zhongshan's only five-star hotel outside of the city proper.
WHERE TO STAY
If you plan on spending a night away from Zhongshan City, a variety of options are available. These hotels are considered to be especially comfortable.
Guzhen International Hotel