Move over, Italy—there's a new star in the world of violins! Huangqiao, a once-sleepy town in Jiangsu Province on the Chinese mainland, now produces 1 out of every 3 violins globally, earning its nickname as the 'Cremona of the East.'
While Cremona remains the historic home of Stradivarius, Huangqiao's artisans blend centuries-old craftsmanship with cutting-edge tech to meet soaring demand. CGTN's Lily Lyu recently explored workshops where workers hand-carve spruce and maple wood into instruments played worldwide—from school orchestras to concert halls.
Why it matters: This quiet revolution highlights how traditional skills and modern entrepreneurship are reshaping global industries. With over 200 violin makers and factories exporting to 90+ countries and regions, Huangqiao's story is a harmony of culture, economics, and innovation.
'It's not just about quantity,' says local luthier Zhang Wei. 'We’re now competing on quality—and the world is listening.'
Reference(s):
China's 'Cremona of the East' shaping future of violin production
cgtn.com