All kinds of lenses are produced by Taizhou eyewear enterprises. [Photo/Tide News]

The eyewear industry stands out as a key sector in Taizhou, Zhejiang province, boasting over 1,800 enterprises and achieving an impressive output of 14.87 billion yuan ($2.04 billion) last year.

Originating in the 1970s, the industry evolved from street vendors to wholesale distribution and eventually saw the rise of numerous home workshops. Initially focusing on mid to low-end products, the industry was trapped in low-quality and low-price competition that limited profits.

To address such problems, Taizhou's eyewear industry made a transformation.

In Linhai, a core eyewear production area, the region introduced administrative guidelines and quality standards for the industry, establishing the Duqiao Glasses City and an entrepreneurship park. Over a hundred eyewear enterprises within the park ensure a stable supply chain, sharing environmental facilities and cutting costs.

In December 2022, the Taizhou Eyewear Chamber of Commerce was established and began to host expos in Taizhou. The second Taizhou (Luqiao) International Optics Fair in October 2024 attracted over 7,300 brand traders and professional market wholesalers from over 50 countries and regions.

Eyewear consumption is moving toward fashion, comfort, and personalization, expanding into more usage scenarios and functionalities. For example, the smart Bluetooth glasses from Zhejiang Yaxun Eyewear Technology Co can be used for voice calls and music, and feature convenient functions like magnetic charging.

Furthermore, Taizhou is also integrating the eyewear industry with tourism. In 2023, a metaverse (AR glasses) empowerment innovation center was established at the Xuanmen Bay National Wetland Park, aimed to promote the integration of eyewear, AR, and tourism.

Taizhou's eyewear industry is transitioning from a manufacturing-centric model to offering stylish wearables and vision health solutions, ushering in a new era of innovation and growth.