Xunke County's Red Agate Township has witnessed over two decades of growth in its agate industry. What once started as a disorganized, low-level operation has now evolved into a key cultural industry project within the county. Red agate has transformed from a raw material into a symbol of cultural value and artistic expression.
Today, the number of handicraft enterprises specializing in red agate in the county has grown from just three to more than a dozen. This expansion has led to the development of a deep-processing industry that produces four main categories: display pieces, leisure items, jewelry, and commemorative collections. The annual sales of natural red agate crafts have exceeded 10 million yuan, making Xunke’s red agate products highly sought after in domestic and international markets. At recent China (Shenzhen) International Cultural Industry Expos, these crafts have become a major attraction for buyers and investors alike.
Xunke County is nationally recognized as the "Red Agate Township," known for its high-quality red agate. The stones produced here are renowned globally for their density, hardness, gloss, and uniform color. In the agate industry, there is a saying: “The world’s best agate is from Xunke.†This reputation has been built on both the natural quality of the stone and the craftsmanship behind it.
In the early 1990s, Xunke agate was just beginning to gain recognition. As more companies emerged, many farmers rushed into mining, leading to uncontrolled exploitation. This caused a sharp decline in prices and many small businesses failed due to lack of risk management.
Amid this chaos, Hong Yujuan, who later became a leading figure in the industry, saw potential. She was once an employee at the Xunke County Transportation Company. Recognizing the global value of red agate, she took a bold step by purchasing an agate plant from the Public Security Bureau for 87,000 yuan and founded the Swan Agate Factory. Rather than rushing into production, she focused on technological upgrades and modern management practices. Through market research, she realized that high-quality raw materials were essential for sustainable growth. She emphasized careful and responsible mining, ensuring that the rare resource wasn't wasted.
In 1996, the factory invested in a Japanese computer engraving machine, marking a turning point in the industry. This allowed for mass production of intricate items like seals and chess sets, moving away from traditional hand-carving. They also partnered with suppliers in Guangzhou and Wenzhou to produce premium packaging, enhancing product appeal. By branding the Swan Agate name and registering trademarks, the company grew rapidly. Starting with an initial investment of 80,000 yuan, the factory now has total assets of 650,000 yuan, employs nearly 30 people, and has expanded beyond simple agate products to include art crafts and plaque processing.
With the help of advanced technologies such as computer inkjet and sandblasting, the factory now offers over 1,000 varieties across ten different product lines. These innovations have significantly boosted the competitiveness of the Xunke brand. Today, the company operates chain stores in cities like Shanghai, Xiamen, Harbin, Qiqihar, and Heihe, achieving economies of scale through efficient operations.
In Baoshan Township, Xunke County is home to the only provincial Agate Stone Nature Reserve in the country. Covering 1,352 hectares, the reserve protects over 300,000 tons of natural agate. Current annual extraction is less than 100 tons, ensuring sufficient raw materials for future development. To maintain sustainability, the county has focused on resource conservation, training artisans, and promoting scientific and responsible agate industry practices.
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