An aerial view of Xucun town. [Photo provided to Tide News]

A qualifying event for China's national textile industry skills competition opened in Xucun town, Haining, a county-level city in Jiaxing, East China's Zhejiang province, on Aug 1, marking the first time the national contest has established a township-level venue.

The competition features two categories: garment pattern making and garment sewing. Participants are evaluated via written exams and practical tests aligned with the national advanced vocational skills standard.

Xucun is one of China's leading women's apparel manufacturing hubs, with more than 8,000 garment-related businesses and 155,000 industry workers. The town produces about 2.4 billion garments annually and has developed an integrated industrial chain covering fabric development, design, pattern making, manufacturing, and sales.

The competition will help strengthen industry standards, cultivate skilled workers, and promote closer cooperation between vocational education and manufacturers. Outstanding contestants will be eligible to compete in higher-level national events.

The pattern-making contest began on Aug 1, while the sewing competition was scheduled for Aug 3. The event will conclude on Aug 5.