Construction on China Duqiao Glasses City, a new commercial complex for glasses or spectacles in Linhai's Duqiao town, broke ground on Sept 22, local media reported.

With an investment of 1.2 billion yuan ($170 million), the complex has a planned area of 7.5 hectares and is expected to finish construction by the end of 2021.

According to the construction plan, the project is poised to be a comprehensive glasses-focused commercial complex integrating various functions including exhibitions, trade, tourism, business and apartments.

The new facility expects to replace the old glasses commercial block -- Zhejiang Glasses City -- in the city.

Founded in 1993, Zhejiang Glasses City situated in Duqiao town houses 200-plus shops, selling over 1,000 kinds of lens ranging from chic sunglasses to glasses for myopia.

Linhai city in Taizhou has long been a glasses manufacturing hub in Zhejiang province.

Glasses are one of the characteristic industries in Linhai, which clusters over 1,000 companies in the sector including some leading brands like Prsr and Langtemeng.

Official data shows that the glasses industry yields more than four billion yuan in revenue in Linhai, with products selling to over 50 countries and regions across the world.

Duqiao town in the city accommodates more than 600 glasses companies with roughly 60,000 employees. The town also houses 2,000 online glasses sellers, with a total transaction volume last year accounting for 37.67 percent of the national total in the sector.

The ground-breaking ceremony for China Duqiao Glasses City, a new glasses commercial complex in Linhai's Duqiao town, is held on Sept 22. [Photo/taizhou.com.cn]