Guilin, famed for its misty karst mountains and serene Li River, is proving it’s more than just a postcard-perfect destination. New 2024 data reveals the city’s foreign trade surged to 11.39 billion yuan ($1.6 billion)—an 11.5% jump from last year. Exports alone hit 10.52 billion yuan ($1.47 billion), climbing nearly 14%! 📈
Hidden Economic Heroes
While tourists snap selfies, Guilin’s counties are quietly flexing industrial muscle. Lipu City’s hanger factories now outfit global retailers (yes, those hangers in your closet might be Guilin-made!), while Yongfu County’s monk fruit—a natural sweetener craze—is sweetening deals from Tokyo to Toronto. 🍬🌎
Resilience in a Shifting World
Amid global economic headwinds, Guilin’s blend of traditional craftsmanship and niche agriculture is paying off. Local leaders credit adaptive strategies, like targeting eco-conscious markets with sustainable products. Could this be a blueprint for smaller cities worldwide? 🤔💡
