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Shoppers and textile professionals walk through a bustling hall at China Textile City in Keqiao district, Shaoxing. [Photo/Tide News]

One of the defining labels of Shaoxing's Keqiao district is its textile industry — anchored by China Textile City, the country's first professional market to carry the national name.

Founded in 1988 and renamed in 1992, China Textile City has grown from 7,200 vendors to 38,000 as of 2024. The market area has expanded to 3.9 million square meters, with 3,561 new businesses registered last year alone. 

Over the past five years, 6,900 company participations in more than 130 domestic and international expos have helped Keqiao firms expand globally. More than 500 new overseas investment enterprises have been established, with sales networks now covering 210 countries and regions.

Keqiao also leads in international trade innovation. It has leveraged two national pilot initiatives — market procurement trade and cross-border e-commerce — and operates China-Europe freight trains to streamline global logistics.

To date, Keqiao has set up textile offices in 16 countries, including the United States, and launched China Textile City overseas stations in six cities, including Milan.

In 2024, the 7th World Textile Merchants Conference drew participants from 83 countries and regions and over 60 global fashion and professional institutions, setting new records in both international reach and professional influence.