Exploring Houjie Town: A Hub of Industry, History, and Tourism in Dongguan

Located in the southwest of Dongguan, Houjie Town is one of the city’s most significant industrial hubs and commercial centers. Known for its rich history, booming furniture manufacturing industry, and growing tourism appeal, Houjie has played a crucial role in Dongguan’s economic and cultural development.

A Glimpse into Houjie Town’s History

The history of Houjie Town dates back to the Northern Song Dynasty, around the years 1119-1125, during the reign of Emperor Huizong. It was in this period that Wang Tai, a native from Putian in Fujian Province, settled here after his official service. Initially, the area was known as “Houjie” due to its proximity to the military supply depot (“jun pu”). However, as the town grew and its inhabitants became known for their kind-heartedness and prosperity, the name was changed to “Houjie,” reflecting the town’s sense of richness and harmony.

During the Southern Song Dynasty, the Li Family Ancestral Hall was established, marking the beginning of an important cultural site that would later serve as a model for Lingnan (Southern Guangdong) ancestral halls. Over the centuries, Houjie continued to develop, with significant changes occurring during the Ming and Qing Dynasties when the town served as an essential trade center for the East River region. By 1958, Houjie had established a people’s commune, which was restructured in 1983 into a district and officially became a town in 1987.

Houjie: A Leading Industrial Powerhouse

Today, Houjie Town stands as one of the most prominent industrial bases in Dongguan, with its primary industry being furniture manufacturing. The town has earned the title of “China’s Furniture Export Hub” and is widely recognized as the nation’s “furniture town.” With over 1,000 furniture enterprises, Houjie’s annual furniture export exceeds 10 billion yuan, making it one of the world’s largest furniture production bases.

The furniture industry in Houjie encompasses a wide variety of products, including high-end furniture, office furniture, home decor, and more, all catering to global demand. It’s home to a thriving ecosystem of suppliers, manufacturers, and designers that contribute to its status as a global center of furniture production and export.

Notably, Mu Si mattresses, a famous brand known for its premium products, has its factory located in Houjie Town. If you have the opportunity, visiting their Sleep Museum is highly recommended. The museum offers an immersive experience, showcasing the latest innovations in sleep technology and giving visitors a chance to learn about how the evolution of sleep products is shaping the future of health and comfort.

Rich Tourism Resources in Houjie Town

While Houjie Town is primarily known for its industrial prowess, it also boasts a variety of natural and cultural attractions, making it an appealing destination for tourists. Recently, Houjie has gained popularity on social media platforms such as Xiaohongshu (Little Red Book) for its unique and captivating locations, including the Dongguan version of the Maldives.

This area, once a mining district, is currently undergoing ecological restoration. Despite being in the process of environmental rehabilitation, the area continues to draw a large number of visitors due to its picturesque landscape and serene atmosphere. The transformation from an industrial site to a natural retreat is a testament to Houjie’s commitment to balancing industrial development with ecological preservation.

Other attractions in the town include historical landmarks, beautiful parks, and cultural sites that reflect the rich heritage of the region. Visitors can explore the town’s roots in traditional craftsmanship while experiencing the modern, evolving face of the community.

Houjie Town’s Role in Dongguan’s High-Quality Economic Development

As Houjie continues to evolve, it is transitioning from a “furniture town” to a “smart manufacturing city.” This shift is part of Dongguan’s broader economic strategy to integrate advanced technologies into its manufacturing sector. With a robust industrial base, Houjie is positioned to take advantage of emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, automation, and the Internet of Things (IoT) to enhance its manufacturing processes.

The town is investing in smart manufacturing and high-tech industries to create a more sustainable and efficient economy. These industries will provide high-paying jobs and foster innovation in sectors beyond furniture production. As part of its transformation, Houjie is working on becoming a major contributor to the high-quality development of Dongguan’s economy, focusing on integrating smart production systems with its established industrial expertise.

The Vision: Furniture Hub and Ecological City

Looking ahead, Houjie is set to continue leveraging its geographical location and industrial advantages to drive economic growth and sustainable development. The town’s vision is clear: to build a “Furniture Capital” while becoming an “Ecological City.” This vision underscores the balance Houjie seeks to achieve between industrial expansion and environmental sustainability. The ongoing ecological restoration projects in former industrial zones, along with efforts to develop green spaces and improve air quality, demonstrate Houjie’s commitment to fostering a cleaner, healthier environment.

In the near future, Houjie will likely be recognized not only as a leading center for furniture manufacturing but also as a model for eco-friendly industrial development, where high-tech manufacturing and environmental consciousness coexist harmoniously.

Conclusion: Houjie’s Transformative Path Forward

Houjie Town is a place where history, industry, and tourism converge. From its origins as a humble settlement to its rise as a major industrial hub, Houjie has become an essential part of Dongguan’s economic landscape. The town’s rich history, thriving furniture industry, and burgeoning tourism sector provide a unique blend of traditional and modern influences.

As it moves forward with the ambitious goal of becoming a global leader in smart manufacturing and sustainable development, Houjie is poised to continue shaping the future of Dongguan. With its commitment to high-quality economic growth, environmental restoration, and cultural preservation, Houjie is not only an industrial powerhouse but also a place where people can live, work, and visit in harmony with nature. Whether you’re in town for business or leisure, Houjie offers a fascinating glimpse into the dynamic transformation of one of China’s most important industrial regions.