Exploring the Torch Development Zone in Zhongshan, China, felt like stepping into a world driven by industry. I took a ride around the area where I lived and taught, just outside my college in the Torch Industrial Development Zone. It was a unique part of Zhongshan—completely dominated by factories. While downtown Zhongshan had a bustling, modern vibe with restaurants, services, and financial hubs, the Torch Zone was purely industrial, housing over 1,000 enterprises, including 20 global Fortune 500 companies. The scale of development here was astonishing, especially for a place established in the 1990s.
The entire zone was around 90 hectares, a massive area dedicated to industrial technology. The companies ranged from green energy, packaging, and machinery to heavy hitters like GoPro, Cannon, and Winstron, the latter being a key supplier for Dell and even Apple. This zone wasn’t just a hub for tech and manufacturing; it was an essential piece of China’s economic engine. Most of my students were studying engineering, foreign trade, and accounting, preparing for futures in these factories, where they'd soon become part of China’s industrial workforce.
As I biked through the zone, the scenery felt repetitive,
with factories stretching as far as the eye could see. But I appreciated the
bike paths—well-maintained and separate from the heavy truck traffic. The
overcast sky and relatively light pollution were reminders that, while not
picturesque, this was the China that powered global manufacturing.
At one point, I stumbled upon a job fair. It was an
eye-opening glimpse into the labor market here. Many companies were recruiting
for factory positions, offering wages ranging from 13 to 15 RMB per hour.
Interestingly, these factory wages were higher than what baristas earned at Starbucks
in Zhongshan. For some perspective, Starbucks paid around 10 RMB per hour,
which put the value of factory jobs into a new light.
One of the most notable aspects of the Torch Zone was its
relentless focus on growth. Construction was everywhere—new infrastructure
projects, big overpasses, and even talk of a light rail system. Still, despite
the constant development, much of the area felt underutilized. Residential
buildings were going up, but many remained empty, waiting for the influx of
workers the factories would eventually bring.
Riding by the Zhongshan Passenger Port, I realized
just how connected this area was. The port offered regular ferries to Hong Kong
and Zhuhai, essential links in this region’s supply chain. Close to the
port was the container terminal, one of the top 10 in China. I didn’t
venture too close due to the sheer danger of the massive truck traffic, but the
scale of operations was impossible to miss. Miles of cranes and container
stacks created a landscape unlike any other—an industrial forest of steel and
logistics.
Not everything here was focused on work, though. Scattered
around the development zone were parks, many of which were beautifully designed
but almost completely unused. Century Square, for instance, stood in
stark contrast to the busy factories. It was a massive public square, but there
were no people, no events—just empty space. Built about 20 years ago, it
seemed to have never fulfilled its potential. Nearby, a brand-new park showed
promise, with carefully manicured greenery and walking paths, but the absence
of people made it feel oddly desolate.
Passing through Sunshine Mall, a more lively part of
the zone, I saw familiar sights like Walmart, Pizza Hut, and KFC.
This mall was modeled after the U.S. Capitol Building, which was an
interesting, if slightly out-of-place, design choice. It was a reminder that
while this area served as an industrial hub, efforts were being made to provide
some modern amenities for residents.
Continuing my ride, I explored the Expo Center—a
giant complex that seemed to mirror the unused squares and parks around it. It
looked impressive but felt eerily quiet, as though it hadn’t been used in some
time. Even the Sheng Wang International Art Museum nearby looked more
like a hidden gem than a place bustling with visitors.
Despite the underutilized public spaces, the zone had
potential. As Zhongshan grew, there was hope that these parks and public
squares would one day be filled with people, making the area a more vibrant
place to live.
As I finished my tour, I rode into Junkai, a village
on the outskirts of the zone. Here, life felt more familiar, with markets
buzzing and people out in the streets. It was a lively contrast to the
industrial sprawl, and it reminded me that, even in the heart of China’s
manufacturing, there were still pockets of everyday life and community.
The Torch Development Zone might not have been the most
picturesque part of Zhongshan, but it was an essential piece of China's story—a
story of industrial power, rapid development, and the balance between work and
life in a constantly evolving landscape.