Special report: History of innovation and enterprise drives Foshan's growth

Endowed with a long history, an exceptional geographical position, a well-developed economy and a fantastic climate, Foshan has long been the envy of many of China's other regional cities.

To the east, it is just a 40-minute drive from Foshan to Guangzhou, the capital of its home province of Guangdong. To the south it is neighbored by Hong Kong and Macao. It has a unique position right at the heart of the Pearl River Delta, arguably the most developed economic region in China.

The city is blessed with a mild spring-like climate all year round, whilst its annual rainfall level of 1,600-2,000mm ensures that the land remains verdant and bountiful. The pioneering Agricultural Model Districts (AMDs), which surround the city proper, continue to prove some of the most fertile in China.

Foshan has long been known for its spirit of enterprise and adventure. Historically it has proved to be the homeland of many Chinese citizens who have ventured abroad in search of fame and fortune - with many residents of Hong Kong and Macao, as well as much further afield, able to trace their roots back to this prosperous city.

In recent years, this spirit of enterprise and innovation has been focused much closer to home and has seen the city emerge as one of China's fastest-growing regional economies. The city now spans some 3,900 sq km and has a population of some 5.9 million in the districts that fall within its jurisdiction - namely Chancheng, Nanhai, Shunde, Gaoming and Sanshui.

Foshan now has a State-level hi-tech industrial development zone with six industrial parks located in the districts. The zone and its industrial parks are currently home to some 3,000 enterprises.

Culturally, as well as economically, the city is rightly celebrated for its distinctive contribution to the Chinese and international scene. The city was the wellspring for Cantonese Opera and for many of the most well-known and well-loved dishes of Cantonese cuisine.

Martial arts aficionados will also be well aware of the city's contribution to the development of this ancient system of combat. Not only was the city the birthplace of Huang Feihong, the almost-legendary nineteenth century martial arts master, it was also the home city of the ancestors of one of the discipline's most famous ever proponents- the movie star and martial arts icon, Bruce Lee.

It is the bold and abiding spirit that imbues the city that is now seen as the key driving force in its 21st century role as an internationally-recognized entrepreneurial economic zone.

(China Daily 03/23/2009 page1)