As I explored Yangjiang, in places much smaller than the factories sometimes featured on the news I was reminded of Guangdong's role as a manufacturer for many of China's and the world's goods. For example, on the southern side of an island in the Moyang River I came across a nondescript building where I could here machines clacking. I can't provide specific directions to the location, because all online maps I've seen lack any details for the area.
I saw a man curiously looking at me, and I said hello. After doing my best to explain how a foreigner had found his way there, I inquired about the machines. He said he was the owner and welcomed me to take a closer look.
I first entered a living room area.
And I passed through another set of doors with a white sign marking the area for workers only.
I then entered a much larger room including everything from bunk beds to machinery.
The machines were noisily at work, apparently not requiring constant supervision.
The owner showed me their output: pins.
Yangjiang is known for knifes, and the pins are for knife handles.
After my tour, I met the man's wife and two sons.
My visit complete, as he escorted me to a bridge off the island I explained I hoped to share online the photos I took. The idea excited him, and he spoke about his desire for more people to know about Yangjiang and visit. After our conversation, he bade me farewell and hopped on a motorbike taxi.
As I reflected on what I had seen, I walked along the riverside and drank the parting "gift" he insisted I take--a tall can of Qingdao Pure Draft Beer.
My visit to a place much more than just a small pin factory was an opportunity to meet a friendly family, see another side of Yangjiang, and learn more about broader issues of interest to me, such as working / living conditions and technology usage. It's just a single example, but there's much to consider in the above photos and some aspects remind me of what I've seen elsewhere in China. I'll have more to say related to these topics in later posts.
But first I'll soon share an example of someone in Yangjiang who sells something very different from pins and knives.
I saw a man curiously looking at me, and I said hello. After doing my best to explain how a foreigner had found his way there, I inquired about the machines. He said he was the owner and welcomed me to take a closer look.
I first entered a living room area.
And I passed through another set of doors with a white sign marking the area for workers only.
I then entered a much larger room including everything from bunk beds to machinery.
The machines were noisily at work, apparently not requiring constant supervision.
The owner showed me their output: pins.
Yangjiang is known for knifes, and the pins are for knife handles.
After my tour, I met the man's wife and two sons.
My visit complete, as he escorted me to a bridge off the island I explained I hoped to share online the photos I took. The idea excited him, and he spoke about his desire for more people to know about Yangjiang and visit. After our conversation, he bade me farewell and hopped on a motorbike taxi.
As I reflected on what I had seen, I walked along the riverside and drank the parting "gift" he insisted I take--a tall can of Qingdao Pure Draft Beer.
My visit to a place much more than just a small pin factory was an opportunity to meet a friendly family, see another side of Yangjiang, and learn more about broader issues of interest to me, such as working / living conditions and technology usage. It's just a single example, but there's much to consider in the above photos and some aspects remind me of what I've seen elsewhere in China. I'll have more to say related to these topics in later posts.
But first I'll soon share an example of someone in Yangjiang who sells something very different from pins and knives.
Great story, thanks for sharing!
ReplyDelete