Strings of success: Guitar-making in southwest China's Guizhou
A skilled craftsman sprays the undercoat of a guitar in Zheng'an County, Zunyi City of southwest China's Guizhou Province, November 26, 2019. /VCG Photo

A skilled craftsman sprays the undercoat of a guitar in Zheng'an County, Zunyi City of southwest China's Guizhou Province, November 26, 2019. /VCG Photo

Guitar-making has become a major industry that has helped local people shake off poverty since 2013 with support from the local government. Employment at the guitar industry has caused a large number of migrant workers to return home. /VCG Photo

Guitar-making has become a major industry that has helped local people shake off poverty since 2013 with support from the local government. Employment at the guitar industry has caused a large number of migrant workers to return home. /VCG Photo

The small county is now home to some 54 guitar-related enterprises. Around 60 percent of the products made are exported to more than 30 countries and regions. /VCG Photo

The small county is now home to some 54 guitar-related enterprises. Around 60 percent of the products made are exported to more than 30 countries and regions. /VCG Photo

With 186 procedures involved in the production of a guitar, guitars made in Zheng'an live up to a high standard, with awards for best sound quality, best craftsmanship and best design and innovation. /VCG Photo

With 186 procedures involved in the production of a guitar, guitars made in Zheng'an live up to a high standard, with awards for best sound quality, best craftsmanship and best design and innovation. /VCG Photo

Some vocational middle schools in the county are endeavoring to cultivate more guitar-related talent. All primary and middle schools in the county include guitar playing on their curricula. /VCG Photo

Some vocational middle schools in the county are endeavoring to cultivate more guitar-related talent. All primary and middle schools in the county include guitar playing on their curricula. /VCG Photo

Last year, China produced three-quarters of the world's guitars, some 30 million units. Zheng'an County accounted for about a fifth of the national output. From "Made in China" to "Designed in China", local manufactures are aiming to build more national guitar brands that are able to rival top international competitors. /VCG Photo

Last year, China produced three-quarters of the world's guitars, some 30 million units. Zheng'an County accounted for about a fifth of the national output. From "Made in China" to "Designed in China", local manufactures are aiming to build more national guitar brands that are able to rival top international competitors. /VCG Photo