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Following China's reform and opening-up, Guangdong Goods — epitomized by "Pearl River beverages, Guangdong grains, Lingnan apparel, and Guangdong home appliances" — surged to prominence. Affordable, high-quality, and stylish, these products became a cherished part of daily life for an entire generation.

Guangdong home appliances, in particular, flourished. After producing China's first household refrigerator, Guangzhou Wanbao introduced advanced production lines and enforced strict quality control. The brand's energy-efficient, durable, and cost-effective refrigerators drew thousands of consumers who queued for three days at a national expo in Beijing in 1984. 

By the 1990s, Guangdong had become one of China's leading home appliance manufacturing bases: one out of every two color TVs and three out of every four air conditioners made in China were produced in Guangdong. Diamond electric fans, Triangle rice cookers, Weili washing machines, Midea refrigerators, Gree air conditioners, Wan jiale water heaters, Rongsheng refrigerators — a wide range of Guangdong brands gained nationwide popularity through superior technology and strong reputations.

At the same time, Guangdong apparel — jeans, bell-bottoms, dresses, and trendy floral shirts— set the pace for fashion across China. Phrases like "Shop in Guangzhou, dress like Guangzhou" became popular sayings across the country.

Source: Guangzhou Daily
English author & editor: Wen Junhua