Jiangsu Wei Tang: the Pearl of China

"The history of aquaculture in Wei Tang can be traced back to the end of the 1960s, when fresh water pearl was the pillar income of every family," The town of Wei Tang is located alongside the Pearl Lake in northern Suzhou, east China's Jiangsu Province. According to Qin, the Wei Tang Pearl Trade Market, the first market of its kind in China, was established as early as in 1984. Traders from home and abroad purchased fresh water pearl here. Wei Tang hence began to be known worldwide as the hometown of Chinese fresh water pearl. In September 2005, China Pearl & Gem City was opened to the public.

"Covering over 37,000 square meters, the city currently has 139 retailer booths and 32 pearl companies, compared to 60 and 15 respectively in the previous market," said Qin. "90 percent of the retailers are locals. Revenue in 2006 was 1.28 billion yuan (approx. $160 million), and that in 2007 is expected to hit 1.38 billion yuan (approx. $184 million)."