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In Houjie Town, located in Dongguan City within Guangdong Province, lies the historical village of San Tuen. Known for its past as a producer of "wow grass" mats, San Tuen has evolved dramatically over the years. Once home to thriving grass weaving workshops, the village now stands as an industrial hub with factories like the Wei Shi Handbag Factory and Reward Garment Factory dotting the landscape. As I walked through the area recently, I couldn't help but notice how much things have changed. Just nearby is the picturesque Tuen Mun Park, where car turns lead to bridges over water—a stark contrast to what it once was.
Sixty years ago, despite the presence of water-filled fields, life was incredibly difficult. Back then, hunger was a common theme among residents. However, today, San Tuen resembles a bustling city. While visiting Tuen Mun Park, I encountered a group of elderly locals reminiscing about those earlier times. Their stories encapsulate six decades of transformation, woven into their laughter and conversations.
Currently, San Tuen boasts only around 2,500 registered permanent residents yet hosts 32 foreign-invested enterprises contributing significantly to its economy. In the mid-20th century, the first grass weaving workshop emerged here, reaching its peak in prosperity during the 1970s when monthly revenues reached 67,000 yuan. By 1983, however, the last such workshop shut down. Following this shift, the village committee took steps towards modernization by dividing land into three distinct zones—industrial, residential, and public facilities—while preserving 300 acres of farmland.
Chen Tongkun, born in 1934, vividly recalls these changes. He describes life in the 1930s and '40s as marked primarily by scarcity. His memories highlight how difficult survival was before China’s liberation brought about land reforms. Even post-revolution, challenges persisted until industrial growth took hold in the late 20th century.
San Tuen's journey from traditional crafts to modern industries showcases resilience and adaptation. Residents like Zeng Xijia, who managed a grass-weaving workshop for nearly two decades, witnessed firsthand the impact of economic reforms. These changes led to increased foreign investments, gradually phasing out older practices while introducing new opportunities.
The village's approach to development involved innovative strategies such as flexible profit-sharing models tied directly to factory sizes and collective financing initiatives for infrastructure projects. Such efforts helped shape today's vibrant community characterized by rising incomes averaging 150 million yuan annually. Villagers enjoy additional benefits including subsidies ensuring basic needs like purchasing rice and oil remain covered comfortably.
As San Tuen continues evolving, its residents reflect pride and contentment amidst rapid progress. This narrative captures not just physical transformations but also emotional ties binding generations together through shared experiences and aspirations.
June 17, 2025