From hair dryers to global shipping routes: A quick look at Ningbo's manufacturing network

Ningbo-Zhoushan Port in China’s Zhejiang Province processed more than 12 million TEUs in 2025, solidifying its status as the world’s busiest cargo port. The Chuanshan Port area alone operates 11 deep-water berths, accommodating 200,000-ton vessels and connecting over 50 international shipping routes to Europe, the Americas, Africa, and Belt and Road nations. The port serves as a critical link between China’s manufacturing base and global markets, with container trucks transporting goods like hair dryers from nearby factories within hours. Cixi, a key industrial hub in Ningbo, hosts over 2,000 appliance manufacturers and thousands of suppliers, producing everything from small household electronics to smart devices. Yueli Group, one of the region’s largest hair care appliance makers, produced 35 million units in 2025, including 12 million hair dryers, and has shifted from OEM production to developing its own brands like ShowSee. The company now invests in AI-powered products and sustainable practices, such as solar energy and recyclable materials, while expanding sales in China and Southeast Asia. Fotile, another major manufacturer, began building its own technologies in 1996 and now sells products in U.S. retailers like Lowe’s, alongside markets in Malaysia and Indonesia. The company’s success reflects a broader trend in Ningbo, where manufacturers are moving beyond export-driven models to establish global brands while adopting greener production methods. The proximity of Cixi’s factories to Ningbo-Zhoushan Port allows for efficient logistics, with goods traveling from factory floors to export docks in just dozens of kilometers. This integrated network supports China’s role as a key player in global supply chains, connecting local production to international demand through the port’s extensive shipping routes.