Datang in Guangdong is renowned as the "Jeans Capital of the World," producing over 200 million pairs annually. This small industrial town uniquely blends rural roots with global fashion impact, exporting denim to every continent. Unlike other cities in Guangdong, Datang's entire economy and identity revolve around its massive denim ecosystem—from fabric dyeing to finishing lines—all in one compact locale.
Notable points about Datang
- Datang in Guangdong is famously known as the "Jeans Capital of the World," producing over 200 million pairs annually—a staggering scale unmatched globally.
- Unlike other industrial hubs in China, Datang’s entire urban ecosystem revolves around denim, from factories and showrooms to museums and fashion innovation labs.
- Visit in October or November when the weather is dry and mild, and the Denim Festival brings the city to life with runway shows and factory tours.
- Datang offers highly affordable lodging and meals, with street food meals under ¥20 and budget hotels from ¥100 per night—perfect for backpackers and budget-conscious travelers.
- Take a guided tour of a denim factory in the Dalang Town area to witness firsthand the craftsmanship and culture that define Datang’s global identity.
- Try the local “Denim Dumplings” in the old town night markets—playfully named but seriously delicious, stuffed with Guangdong-style shrimp and herbs.
- Getting around is easy via e-bikes and shared tuk-tuks; for longer distances, use the intercity buses that connect Datang to Guangzhou and Shaoxing with ease.
- Explore the hidden riverside alleyways near Xiaodatang Village where colorful fabric-dyeing stalls create a rainbow of cloth against the Pearl River’s edge.
- Though safe and friendly, travelers should note that English is rarely spoken—carry a translation app and show respect by greeting locals with a polite “Nǐ hǎo.”
- Watching the sunrise over endless lines of drying jeans in open courtyards is surreal—a rare visual memory that turns an industrial visit into artful wonder.