China’s Leading Hardware Industry Bases
A Review of China’s Major Hardware Industry Bases
China is home to a large number of hardware manufacturing companies, creating key regional clusters that specialize in hardware production. These areas have become significant hubs for both large-scale and specialized manufacturing. While many of these bases remain under the radar, here are some of China’s most well-known hardware production centers.
1. Zhejiang Province
Yongkang (永康)
Status: Known as the “Hardware Capital of China,” Yongkang is the largest regional hardware production base in the country.
Industry Features: The hardware industry is the backbone of Yongkang’s economy, covering over 10,000 varieties, including mechanical, decorative, daily-use hardware, construction hardware, tools, and small household appliances. The region has a rich history, with origins tracing back over 5,000 years to the time of the Yellow Emperor.
Notable Companies: The city hosts numerous hardware machinery manufacturers, forming a vast industrial cluster.
Lin’an (临安)
Status: In 2011, the China Hardware Products Association officially named Lin’an as the “China Tool Hardware Production Base (Lin’an).”
Industry Features: The tool and hardware industry in Lin’an began in the 1970s and has since developed a complete supply chain. The major production areas are in the towns of Sun (太阳), Yiqian (於潜), and Tianmushan (天目山), with Sun town accounting for over 80% of output. Lin’an is known for producing high-quality pliers, water pump pliers, and wrenches.
Notable Companies: Hangzhou Lin’an Forging Co. and Lin’an Sun Hardware Tools Factory.
Yiqiao Town (义桥镇)
Status: In 2014, Yiqiao Town was recognized as “China’s Tool Hardware Capital” by the China Hardware Products Association.
Industry Features: Yiqiao has a long-standing history in hardware manufacturing, with notable industrial clusters and diverse coverage. The town specializes in a wide range of products with strong, distinctive features.
Ningbo Yuyao (宁波余姚)
Status: In 2007, Ningbo Yuyao was named “China’s Electric Tool Manufacturing Base” by the China Electrical Appliance Industry Association.
Industry Features: The electric tool industry in Yuyao has a solid foundation and a mature production chain, making it a leader in the sector.
2. Jiangsu Province
Daxin Town (大新镇)
Status: In 1996, Daxin Town was awarded the title of “China’s Hardware Town” by the China Hardware Products Association.
Industry Features: Daxin’s hardware tool industry traces its origins to the 1950s, rising sharply after China’s economic reforms. The town’s products include hardware tools, medical equipment, light industry scissors, garden tools, and kitchen supplies.
Notable Companies: Hongbao Tools and others.
Qidong (启东)
Status: In 2005, Qidong was designated as a “China Electric Tool Industry Base” by the China Electrical Appliance Industry Association; in 2006, Qidong’s Tianfen International Electric Tool Trade City earned the title of “China’s Electric Tool Capital.”
Industry Features: The electric tool industry in Qidong began in the late 1970s and has grown into one of the city’s most competitive and influential industries.
3. Other Notable Regions
Fujian Nan’an (福建南安)
Status: Known as the “Hometown of Plumbing and Sanitary Hardware” and “China’s Bathroom Capital.”
Industry Features: Nan’an’s plumbing and sanitary hardware industry is one of its four main sectors. The area boasts a fully integrated supply chain, covering research and development, manufacturing, assembly, and packaging.
Hunan Shaodong (湖南邵东)
Status: Famous for producing the “Three Knives” (kitchen knives, razors, and scissors), Shaodong is renowned as a major hardware production region.
Industry Features: Shaodong has become one of China’s leading hardware hubs, joining other prominent regions like Yongkang and Zhongshan in producing and exporting a wide range of hardware products.
Shandong Linyi (山东临沂)
Status: Referred to as “China’s Hardware Industrial and Trade City.”
Industry Features: Linyi’s hardware market is a large, professional wholesale center that integrates high-quality tools, construction hardware, electrical tools, daily-use hardware, locks, and small electromechanical products. The area is known for its competitive prices and logistics advantages.
Chongqing Dazu (重庆大足)
Industry Features: With a history of over 1,200 years, Dazu produces a variety of hardware products, including daily-use items, cooking utensils, and construction tools. Despite its long history, around 80% of the hardware manufacturers in Dazu still operate in traditional workshop-style production.
Hebei Nanpi (河北南皮)
Status: Known as “China’s Northern Electronics Hardware Hub.”
Industry Features: Nanpi is renowned for its diverse range of hardware and electromechanical components, covering products like hardware tools, mechanical equipment, welding equipment, and electronic parts.
