The modest town of Neikeng in Jinjiang, Fujian Province, has emerged as an unlikely global footwear powerhouse, manufacturing an astonishing 1 billion pairs of slippers annually. This remarkable output means approximately one in every eight people worldwide could be wearing slippers originating from this Chinese manufacturing hub.
The town’s extraordinary journey began over four decades ago during China’s reform and opening-up period, starting from humble family-operated workshops. Through strategic development and industrial consolidation, Neikeng has transformed into a world-class manufacturing cluster with a fully integrated ecosystem encompassing research and development, production, supply chain management, and international trade operations.
Today, Neikeng’s industrial landscape comprises more than 620 specialized slipper manufacturers, including 81 large-scale enterprises and 28 companies each generating annual revenues exceeding 100 million yuan ($14.2 million). The combined annual output value of the town’s slipper industry chain has surpassed 3 billion yuan, demonstrating significant economic impact and industrial concentration.
Local authorities have actively promoted digital transformation within the traditional industry, facilitating e-commerce platform integration to expand market reach. This strategic approach has enabled Neikeng’s manufacturers to maintain competitive advantage while adapting to evolving global market demands and consumer preferences.
The town’s success story exemplifies China’s manufacturing capabilities in transforming traditional industries through technological innovation, cluster development, and market-oriented reforms, positioning itself as a critical node in global footwear supply chains.