'Made in China' - An Insider's Tour into the World's Bag Factory

The edges of Guangzhou are packed with factory towns. Places that few people visit or really understand. It can be rough, dirty and messy, and it's not easy to find the appeal in the chimneys, warehouses and wealth of trucks. But it's these towns that represent the soul and raison d'être of Guangzhou. For centuries, manufacturing and trade have been at the core of the city's rise. It is the 'China story', where ancient farming villages turned into the factories of the world. These towns possess an immense vibe and energy, where its people and businesses work around the clock.  Where locals flourish and migrant workers seek to fulfil their dreams. If you want to fully understand the rise of China, you need to visit these factory towns.

On this tour we explore the world's bag factory: Shiling, in northern Huadu district. Besides Cycle Canton hosts, you are guided by Jeroen and Sophie, local factory owners who have been a part of Shiling's development. Sophie is a Huadu local, and Jeroen a Dutch entrepreneur, who have become one of Shiling's larger players. We visit their factory and hear their stories. We see some of their suppliers, visit the neighborhoods where people live and work, and hear personal stories from a migrant worker. This tour takes you behind the curtain, into areas that stay hidden to most. It gives you insights and a chance to chat with people from within.

Everything is organized and included. A private coach drives us from&to Zhujiang New Town. Cantonese lunch is had at a local restaurant near the factory. 

 

Photo credits: Kira Morris, Hong, Cherry 

Practical info

When

April 22nd till April 22nd

Meeting point

IFC, Zhujiang New Town to IFC, Zhujiang New Town

Price

550 CNY/person. Kids 14 and under 280 CNY. Kids 0-3 free of charge

Book now!

Book this tour

Questions

SCHEDULE

9:00  Meet at IFC, Zhujiang New Town for coach departure

10:15  Arrival in Shiling, coffee at BSK bag factory

10:30  Start of presentations and factory visit

12:20  Short walk to lunch

12:30  Lunch

13:15  Walk through the wholesale market

14:00  Walk through residential/service/small manufacturing villages, and meet-ups with local entrepreneurs

15:30  Drinks & snacks back at the BSK factory

15:50 Departure by private coach

17:00 Arrival in Zhujiang New Town

 

PRICE & WHAT'S INCLUDED

The tour is available at 550 CNY/adult person. Children 14 year old and under pay 280 CNY. Kids 0-3 are free of charge. Everything you need is included in the fee.

Included in the fee:

   Private coach transfer from Zhujiang New Town
   Lunch with drinks
   Coffee, water, drinks & snacks at the factory and outside
   All visits and presentations
   English-speaking guides and organizers

 

HOW TO BOOK?!

To book this trip, click the large green 'Book Now' box above in this screen. Full payment upfront is required through PayPal, WeChat Pay or AliPay. Bookings are handled on a first come, first served basis and a reservation is not complete until paid!  A minimum of 10 participants is needed for this tour to proceed.

For questions you may contact Bram on WeChat (ID: bram_wechat) or 15626406926.

 

WHAT IF IT RAINS?

The tour will not be cancelled in case of rain; we're on, no matter what! Bringing an umbrella is recommended, if not for the rain then for the sun :)  

 

JOINING WITH CHILDREN

Children are very welcome on this trip, but it may not be of too much interest to them. 

 

WHERE TO MEET

We meet outside IFC, by the main entrance of the Friendship Store on Zhujiang Xi Lu, and next to the golden statue. The address for DiDi is: Guangzhou International Finance Centre or 广州国际金融中心If you come by metro, go to Zhujiang New Town metro station and take exit C. If you have any problems in the morning, you can contact us at 15626406926. Please be there at 8:50am. We will depart at 9:10am the latest! You are welcome to travel there independently as well. Please do let us know when booking (no discount). Several days before the tour you will be added to a WeChat group with all participants on the tour.

 

CHANGES AND CANCELLATIONS

You may cancel your tour free of charge until 72 hours before departure time. Cancellations after that time are charged 250 CNY. No refunds apply for cancellations within 24 hours before departure time.