This small town in Shandong Province has a good way of manufacturing -beauty-, accounting for 70% of the world’s output!

**Interview with Industry Experts on the Eyelash Extension Boom in Pingdu City**

**Interviewer**: Can you explain what eyelash extensions are and why they’re so popular?

**Expert**: Eyelash extensions, often referred to as false eyelashes, are essentials in the beauty world designed to enhance and beautify the eyes. Despite being called “false,” they offer a remarkably realistic effect. Many beauty enthusiasts consider them the finishing touch to any eye makeup, serving as a “secret weapon” for vibrant eyes. Statistics indicate that beauty lovers worldwide consume nearly 200 million pairs of false eyelashes annually.

**Interviewer**: That’s impressive! I’ve heard that Pingdu City in Shandong Province is a significant player in this industry. Can you elaborate?

**Expert**: Yes! Pingdu is often referred to as the “Capital of Chinese Eyelashes.” Remarkably, out of every ten eyelash extensions sold globally, at least seven pairs are produced in this ordinary county-level city. Pingdu has a thriving eyelash industry with an annual output value of about 10 billion yuan. Each year, around 120 million pairs of these eyelashes are exported to countries like Japan, South Korea, and various Western nations, accounting for approximately 70% of the global market.

**Interviewer**: That’s quite a status! Can you give us a brief history of the eyelash industry in Pingdu?

**Expert**: Absolutely. The history of false eyelashes stretches back to ancient Egypt and Rome, with documentation emerging around 2000 B.C. They gained patent protection in 1911, mainly used by film actors. By the 1930s, they became popular among everyday consumers. The eyelash industry in Pingdu began during the 1970s when foreign investments brought in manufacturing techniques. By 1976, local residents recognized the opportunity and began experimenting with eyelash production, which blossomed into a robust industry rooted in the area, particularly in Dazeshan Town.

**Interviewer**: What has contributed to the growth and success of this industry over the years?

**Expert**: The eyelash industry in Pingdu has expanded significantly over the past 40 years. The area has evolved into a comprehensive supply chain, encompassing everything from raw material processing to the production of finished products. As of now, this industry has developed a regional cluster, with Dazeshan at its core, impacting economic growth positively.

**Interviewer**: I imagine the production process is complex. Can you shed some light on that?

**Expert**: Indeed, despite their seemingly simple structure, the manufacturing process of eyelash extensions is intricate. Each pair involves dozens of steps—such as hair pressing, shaping, tube stripping, and curling—that require a skilled eye and meticulous attention to detail. The materials used are diverse, including natural hair and synthetic fibers, all of which share common characteristics like softness and uniformity.

**Interviewer**: It sounds labor-intensive! How has the local workforce adapted to meet the demand for eyelash products?

**Expert**: Many entrepreneurs, like Mr. Chen Dongliang and his wife, have successfully navigated this industry. They transformed their small family workshop into a modern factory that integrates product development, processing, and global sales—all thanks to the local market’s focus on quality and detail. Currently, nearly 5,000 companies operate in this field in Pingdu, alongside over 20,000 additional processing points.

**Interviewer**: What future prospects do you see for the eyelash industry in Pingdu?

**Expert**: The eyelash industry in Pingdu is transitioning toward a more consolidated and smart production model. The city has initiated several projects, such as the Qingdao Beauty Online New Economic Park, to support this transformation. With advancements in raw material production, enhanced manufacturing technologies, and integration with e-commerce platforms, the future looks bright. The demand for beauty products remains high, and I am confident that the eyelash market will continue to flourish!

**Interviewer**: Thank you for sharing such valuable insights into the vibrant eyelash industry in Pingdu City!