The Tangshan government recently awarded nearly 10 million yuan ($1.5 million) to 51 local companies with famous brands as part of the city's trademark strategy.

Hebei currently has 8,650 trademarks. Nine of them are classified as well-known brands in fields ranging from ceramics and building materials to beer and food.

Some 172 trademarks have been granted the status of provincially famous brands.

The number of well-known brands is expected to rise to 20 by the end of 2015 and include companies engaged in manufacturing, chemicals, medicine and heavy industries, according to government officials.