In this episode of Meet China, we journey from the misty highlands of Sichuan's Mengding Mountain to the bustling textile hubs of Guangzhou and the integrated transport networks of Wuhan, uncovering stories of industries transforming China's economic landscape.

In Ya'an City, Mengding Mountain's prized "first basket of tea" symbolizes renewal and prosperity, blending centuries-old traditions with modern innovations to captivate global markets. Wuhan, known as the "Thoroughfare of Nine Provinces," has emerged as a central hub of high-quality openness, leveraging advanced rail, water, road, and air transport systems to drive urban transformation and regional growth. Meanwhile, Guangzhou's textile industry has reinvented itself, evolving from 1990s steel sheds into a vibrant center of creativity and trade, setting new global standards. Join us as we explore how these industries—rooted in tradition yet embracing innovation—are shaping China's economic future and connecting it to the world.

Mengding Mountain Tea: Tradition and Innovation Brewing Global Appeal

Nestled in Sichuan's Ya'an City, Mengding Mountain offers a unique environment producing some of China's finest teas. Celebrated for its "first basket of tea," handpicked before the Qingming Festival, this harvest marks renewal and prosperity for local farmers like Mi Ping, who carefully pluck dewy buds at dawn. The famed Mengding Sweet Dew tea commands high prices, with some auctions reaching 36,000 yuan per catty. During peak season, the bustling local tea market sees daily turnovers exceeding 5 million yuan.

Traditional tea-making techniques, recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage, are preserved by masters like Zhang Yuehua. At the same time, modern innovations enhance production efficiency. The tea industry supports over 250,000 local farmers and adapts to new trends, such as innovative Chinese tea drinks, attracting younger consumers. By integrating cultivation, trade, and cultural tourism, Mengding tea has become a "golden leaf" driving rural revitalization and expanding its global reach.

Wuhan's Transport Network: Driving Central China's Urban Transformation

Wuhan, the "Thoroughfare of Nine Provinces," serves as a vital hub for high-quality openness in central China, thanks to its integrated transport system combining rail, water, road, and air. Partnering with nearby Ezhou, Wuhan has built a seamless logistics network. Ezhou Huahu International Airport—the largest cargo airport in Asia and China's only professional cargo hub—connects globally and works closely with Wuhan Tianhe Airport and Guanggu Cargo Station to streamline city-center logistics.

Yangluo Port, the largest natural deep-water port on the upper Yangtze River, and the China-Europe Railway from Wuhan enable efficient rail-water intermodal transport, cutting transit times by over half. Advanced cold-chain containers ensure smooth supply chains across Eurasia. This robust transport infrastructure facilitates massive flows of people and goods, fostering a new model of port-industry-city integration that fuels urban renewal and regional development.

Guangzhou's Textile Industry: From Steel Sheds to a Global Creative Hub

Guangzhou, home to one of China's largest textile centers, has transformed its traditional industry through modernization and innovation. Once a cluster of steel sheds in the 1990s, the textile sector now operates in a modern, seven-story complex handling nearly one-third of the nation's textile trade. Entrepreneur Peng Liangmin, who started with a 40-person trading agency, grew his company to 900 employees, attributing success to innovation and government support.

Facing global challenges, the industry is adopting intelligent production systems and advanced fabrics to maintain competitiveness. The revitalized market hosts fashion shows, international buyers, and a textile history museum, blending heritage with innovation. Designer Lin Zihan's creations, displayed alongside historic pieces, symbolize this new era. Guangzhou's textile industry exemplifies how traditional sectors can thrive by embracing modernization, setting new global standards in creativity and trade.