International journalists and social media influencers explored digitization and intelligent manufacturing in Jinjiang, East China's Fujian province, from May 16 to 17, as part of the 2024 A Date with China international media tour.

Jinjiang in Quanzhou city is a manufacturing hub for shoe making, renowned as China's "capital of shoes". Statistics show that despite significant domestic and international market challenges, Jinjiang's footwear and clothing industry thrived in 2022, with its output value exceeding 300 billion yuan ($41.4 billion) for the first time.

This thriving industrial landscape hosts famous sports brands like Anta Sports Products Ltd and Kelme (China). According to data unveiled by Anta Sports, its annual revenue rose to 62.36 billion yuan in 2023, surpassing both Nike China and Adidas China, holding the top position in China's sportswear and shoes market.