Industrial Tourism in China: Explore Jiangxi Eyewear Park — China’s Glasses Capital
Discover Jiangxi Eyewear Park in Yingtan’s Yujiang District — a unique 4A-rated attraction where industrial scale meets cultural design. Spread across 3,000 mu (about 495 acres), the park transforms eyeglasses from cold products into cultural and aesthetic symbols. Visitors can watch a pair of glasses born on the production line, trace optical technology’s evolution, or even craft a personalized frame in hands-on workshops. Ideal for industrial travel fans, design lovers, and bargain hunters, this immersive destination redefines what “eyeglasses” can mean.
1. Core Highlights: A Living Museum of China’s Eyewear Industry
Known as “China’s glasses capital,” Jiangxi Eyewear Park is the country’s first tourism site themed entirely around eyeglasses. More than a shopping center, it’s a multifunctional complex combining production, trade, culture, and tourism.
– Benchmark industrial tourism: Walk close to modern production lines and observe processes from lens coating to frame assembly with full transparency.
– Encyclopedic eyewear culture: The museum houses thousands of frames spanning eras and regions, from ancient single-lens spectacles to futuristic smart AR glasses—an informal history of human vision.
– Interactive fun: DIY studios let visitors become eyewear designers, selecting materials, adding engraving, and creating one-of-a-kind pieces.
2. Unmissable Experiences: From Production Line to Shopping Bag
(1) Eyewear Culture Museum: A Visual Time Travel
The museum is the park’s cultural heart. Exhibits trace the evolution from Qing-dynasty crystal spectacles and Republican-era round frames to today’s AR devices. Don’t miss the “Famous Faces” display, which recreates classic glasses worn by figures like Einstein and Steve Jobs—perfect for photos.
(2) Production Viewing Area: Witness a Pair Being Made
A glass corridor offers clear views of precision work such as lens coating and frame engraving. Tip: 10:00 AM is the busiest production period—visit then to feel the industrial rhythm and see machines and craftsmen in coordinated motion.
(3) DIY Workshop: Build Your Own Signature Frames
Hands-on stations provide services like frame engraving, painted temples, and even 3D-printed custom frames. Great for families or couples, finished pieces serve as memorable, usable souvenirs.
(4) Brand Display Center: One-Stop Glasses Shopping
Adjacent commercial streets gather leading domestic brands such as Bolon (Baolong), Pasha, and Mosen, alongside independent designer labels. Prices are typically 10–30% lower than retail, with on-site vision testing and full fitting services.
3. Food and Rest: Recharge Stations
When you need a break, the park’s dining area focuses on local flavors and quick bites:
– Yujiang beef noodles: a Yingtan specialty with rich broth and adjustable spice level.
– Optical Café: an eyeglass-themed café popular on social media—try the signature “Lens World” coffee.
– Pop-up snack stalls: on holidays you’ll find glutinous rice cakes, hot-skinned noodles, and other Jiangxi treats.
4. Practical Information: What to Know Before You Go
– Address: No.1 Eyewear Industry Park Avenue, Yujiang District, Yingtan City, Jiangxi Province
– Opening hours: 09:00–17:00 (production viewing area open on weekdays only)
– Admission: Free (some experiences and workshops require extra fees)
– Getting there:
– Bus: Take K1 from central Yingtan to “Eyewear Industry Park” stop
– Car: Free parking is available on site
– Payment: Major brand stores accept Alipay, WeChat Pay, and credit cards; small food stalls may prefer cash
5. Local Tips: Hidden Activities and Practical Advice
– Avoid weekends: Tours and group visits peak on Saturdays and Sundays—weekdays offer a calmer experience.
– Night visit option: In summer, an evening light show highlights the glasses sculptures with high-tech illumination.
– Combine tours: Pair this visit with Longhushan Scenic Area (about a 30-minute drive) for a “nature + industry” full-day itinerary.
Conclusion: One Pair of Glasses, One City’s Industrial Story
Jiangxi Eyewear Park blurs the lines between factory, museum, and shopping mall, letting visitors learn as they shop and experience industry as culture. Whether you love manufacturing, design history, or simply want a high-value pair of glasses, this park offers a fresh perspective on travel in Jiangxi. Next time you’re in the province, look beyond landscapes—China’s glasses capital is ready for you to see it with new eyes.
