An aerial view of Changle district in Fuzhou, Fujian province. [Photo/Fuzhou Daily]

Changle district in Fuzhou, Fujian province, despite having few natural advantages in textile production, has grown into a major textile hub in China after the country's opening-up. The district is now upgrading the sector through technological innovation, supply chain expansion, and closer collaboration between industry and academia.

Textile companies in Changle have accelerated product and technology development in recent years. Fujian Jinlun Fiber Shareholding has developed technologies including melt direct-spun dark-colored polyester yarn, reducing costs and pollution from dyeing and finishing processes. Fujian Jiegao Textile uses intelligent manufacturing equipment to produce functional sports fabrics for domestic and international brands.

An automated post-spinning and texturing workshop at Highsun Holding Group. [Photo/Fuzhou Daily]

Expanding into upstream industries has become a key part of the transformation. Highsun Holding Group has built an integrated industrial chain covering raw materials, fibers, and fabrics, while moving into new materials such as modified engineering plastics. The official launch of Highsun Akro Fuzhou Factory on June 23 marked the completion of the group's industrial chain from caprolactam to modified engineering plastics.

Changle is also promoting the commercialization of research results. Through the National Regional Center for Technology Transfer and Transformation of Universities (Fuzhou Sub-center for New Functional Materials), universities and companies are working on projects including antibacterial nanocellulose and flexible wearable devices.