In the heart of Xunke County lies the renowned "Red Agate Township," a place that has transformed its agate industry over the past two decades. Initially characterized by uncontrolled and low-level development, the sector has now evolved into a key pillar of the local cultural economy. Red agate is no longer just a material—it has become a symbol of cultural identity and artistic expression.
Today, the number of handicraft enterprises in the county has grown from just three to more than a dozen, creating a thriving deep-processing industry. The products range from display pieces and leisure items to jewelry and commemorative collections, all crafted from natural red agate. Annual sales have exceeded 10 million yuan, and the township’s creations have even gained international attention at events like the China (Shenzhen) International Cultural Industry Expo.
Xunke County is famous for its high-quality red agate, known globally for its density, hardness, gloss, and uniform color. Locals often say, “The best agate in the world is found in Xunke,†highlighting the region's unique standing in the global market.
However, the journey wasn’t smooth. In the early 1990s, the industry was in chaos. With little regulation, farmers rushed to mine agate, leading to overexploitation and a sharp drop in prices. Many small businesses failed due to their inability to withstand the downturn.
Amid this turmoil, Hong Yujuan emerged as a leader. Starting as an employee at the Xunke County Transportation Company, she recognized the potential of red agate. She took over a small agate plant for 87,000 yuan and founded the Swan Agate Factory. Rather than rushing into production, she focused on improving technology and management, introducing modern business practices.
Through thorough market research, she realized that quality raw materials were essential for long-term success. To ensure sustainability, she promoted careful mining and resource protection. In 1996, she invested in a Japanese computer engraving machine, revolutionizing the production process. This move allowed for precision in crafting seals, chess sets, and other items, replacing traditional hand-carving methods.
She also focused on branding, registering trademarks and collaborating with suppliers in Guangzhou and Wenzhou to improve packaging and product quality. Her efforts paid off—Swan Agate Jewelry Factory grew rapidly, starting with a modest investment of 80,000 yuan and eventually reaching a total asset value of 650,000 yuan.
Today, the factory employs nearly 30 people and has expanded beyond basic agate products to include art crafts and plaque processing. By adopting advanced technologies like computer inkjet and sandblasting, they now produce over 1,000 varieties across ten different series. Their products are sold in chain stores across Shanghai, Xiamen, Harbin, Qiqihar, and Heihe, achieving economies of scale and brand recognition.
In Baoshan Township, there is the only provincial Agate Stone Nature Reserve in the country, covering 1,352 hectares and containing over 300,000 tons of natural agate. Current annual extraction is less than 100 tons, ensuring ample reserves for future development. The local government emphasizes sustainable practices, encouraging miners to conserve resources and training artisans to support the industry’s long-term growth.
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