In the wave of global economic integration, China's manufacturing industry is undergoing a remarkable transformation, shifting from traditional production models to an era of Intelligent Manufacturing in China. This evolution is making it a powerful new force on the global stage. In Zhejiang, a land brimming with creativity and business acumen, numerous inspiring stories are emerging. Recently, two students from the ZIBS Master of China Studies (MCS) and international Master of Data Science (iMDS) programs were invited to participate in the documentary series Opportunities in China, a key international communication program organized by ZTV-World. During their visits to Lishui, Longyou, and Hangzhou, they explored the cutting-edge developments in the wooden toy export industry and humanoid robotics, talked with local government and business representatives, and shared their unique stories.
Fairy Tale City of Wooden Toys
In Lishui City of Zhejiang province, there is a fairy tale city — Yunhe County. You might not know that around 40% of the world's wooden toys are produced here. These tiny toys have led thousands of local private enterprises to expand globally, tapping into markets in over 200 countries and regions.
Benedetta Mascaretti, a second-year student from ZIBS MCS program, was invited to visit Yunhe, where she experienced the innovative blend of traditional Eastern craftsmanship and modern technological inspiration. Since the founding of its first toy company in 1972, Yunhe has become home to over 1,000 wooden toy manufacturers, exporting products to more than 200 countries and regions worldwide. After hearing the story of the city's development, Benedetta remarked, There's nothing they can't create. Yunhe's wooden toys, which cleverly combine art, fun, and traditional Chinese cultural elements, have won the hearts of children globally, securing a significant share in the international market.
▲Taken by Benedetta during her visit.
From striving for survival to contemplating development, the new generation of entrepreneurs here is actively exploring new paths for growth. Benedetta shared that the large-scale industrial cluster in the area has provided employment for a quarter of the county's permanent population, with many elderly locals also contributing their experience. This not only reflects the companies' effort in social responsibility but also stands as a powerful testament to Yunhe's diverse and inclusive economic ecosystem. The entrepreneurs in Yunhe are actively engaging in independent design, cross-border e-commerce livestreaming, and expanding into emerging markets. Their efforts also reflect the steady progress of Zhejiang's private economy toward high-quality development and global outreach, leaving a deep impression on Benedetta.
▲Taken by Benedetta during her visit.
In the last week of October, I had the chance to visit Yunhe County (云和), a small, hidden gem in China that left a lasting impression on me. Before my visit, I had never even heard of Yunhe, but now I believe it's a place everyone should experience if they come to China. This charming county offers abundant natural beauty and cultural richness, and it has made wonderful use of its resources to allow visitors to enjoy these spots fully.
Yunhe County is well-known for its wooden toy industry, which plays a big part in the community's identity. We visited the Museum of Wooden Toys. It was heartwarming to see how the local people take pride in their craft and how the museum celebrated this connection between culture and industry. We also toured several wooden toy companies, including Leo & Friends, where the owner gave us a behind-the-scenes look at the factory, which surprised me with its advanced technology, showing how the industry has grown while preserving traditional roots. I was especially moved to see that these companies provided employment for many of the county's elderly residents.
One of the highlights of my trip was visiting a community of older adults who contribute to the toy factories by doing small tasks. Watching them work together, laughing and chatting, filled me with joy. I joined them, and one of the oldest women there taught me how to separate different wooden parts. We worked side by side, sharing stories as we went. This opportunity to stay active, earn some income, and make new friends is such a wonderful arrangement for these older adults, keeping their minds sharp and spirits high.
Yunhe County truly touched me, not only for its scenic beauty and unique products but for the warmth and vibrancy of its people. It's a place that deserves to be shared and celebrated.
Thriving Robotics Industry in Zhejiang
In recent years, robots in China have been making waves in industries like manufacturing, services, and specialized fields, demonstrating immense potential and wide-ranging applications. Gloria Timone, a second-year student from ZIBS iMDS program, was invited to explore the thriving hub of the robotics industry and visit Longyou to uncover the charm and innovation of this cutting-edge sector.
After visiting several leading global robotics companies, Gloria gained an up-close understanding of the vast potential of humanoid robots and interacted with the latest generation of robotic dogs and robots. She was amazed by their flexibility and intelligence. During her discussions with business representatives and industry experts from Hangzhou and Longyou, Gloria also observed the challenges faced in current R&D efforts. However, seeing the determination in the eyes of the research teams, she remarked, The effort they put in is truly inspiring. This, she believed, reflected the spirit of China's pioneering smart manufacturing teams. During her visit to Longyou, a Zhejiang county known for its breakthroughs in robotics, Gloria also exchanged insights with local government representatives and industry professionals on strategies to strengthen the industry chain and help the robotics sector take root.
Students from Zhejiang University have already begun weaving their dreams in the world of robotics, with the presence of the students often seen in various high-end competitions. Gloria, through her studies and practical activities, has made many like-minded friends who, as she puts it, are the new forces who will engage in robotics industry in the future. In ZIBS iMDS program, whether through professional course discussions or active participation in academic lectures and research projects, students continuously explore innovative solutions. They also analyze the latest trends and demands of the global robotics market, ensuring that their academic pursuits are both targeted and practical.
Participating in the making of the Zhejiang TV documentary was a fantastic experience that allowed me to witness what I had previously only seen through a screen. I had the opportunity to visit one of the world's leading robotics companies, as well as other enterprises in this industry. As someone who is really interested in robotics and curious about how robots are manufactured, observing how they are built really amazed me. During the visit, I also had the chance to control some of the robots myself, like using commands to make a robotic dog take photos or spin around, which was incredible!
In Longyou, I gained a deeper understanding of the robotics industry from the perspective of industrial development. The local government has implemented a series of supportive policies, including land, funds, and other resources, to nurture leading companies and drive the industry forward. They are actively promoting the formation of a robotics industry cluster. Additionally, through events like the Robotics Industry Innovation Development Conference and the introduction of multi-party research labs, they are pushing for innovative R&D and fostering a collaborative ecosystem. I believe this is a development model with great reference value.
Aside from that, I was able to contribute to the making of a documentary and watch the troupe's work behind the camera. Learning how these videos are made was an excellent experience for me, as it was my first time shooting one.
On the global stage, the new face of Intelligent Manufacturing in China is shining brightly. Lishui's wooden toys have broken through geographical and cultural barriers, achieving not just product exports but also cultural outreach. Longyou is actively positioning itself in the emerging humanoid robotics sector, striving to move from a niche industry to global recognition. For the two students, immersing themselves in these local stories brought not only a sense of awe and inspiration but also a deeper understanding of Zhejiang's and China's innovative power.
Participating in the Opportunities in China is also a strong initiative by ZIBS to contribute to telling China's story well and conveying China's voice. Additionally, ZIBS Me & China series actively engages international students in immersive learning experiences outside the classroom, allowing them to experience firsthand the rich, diverse cultural heritage and the dynamic innovative energy of China. We look forward to sharing more stories in the future and exploring unique Chinese solutions and strengths.
*Parts of the content are compiled from reports on the WeChat account of ZTV-WORLD.
