A worker takes a trumpet from a temporary storage space at a factory in Caigongzhuang. WEI XIAOHAO/CHINA DAILY
Holding an alto saxophone bearing Metcalf's logo, Liu said: "Our factory uses the best materials such as premium copper and pads. The colors of our instruments are highly favored by European musicians, and this saxophone will soon travel across the ocean to be played in European concerts."
The town produces more than 100 types of Western instruments, exporting to Europe, the United States, Japan and other major markets.
Caigongzhuang is a music town. Residents gather in the fields in the evening to play instruments together, according to Chen Zeyu, a Jinghai district official.
"Instrument-making has been passed down for generations, giving the town a unique artistic spirit," Chen said. Saxophones, trumpets and flutes adorn the town's walls in colorful murals.
According to local government data, Caigongzhuang produces approximately 450,000 brass and woodwind instruments annually, with 80 percent exported to Europe and the US.
"Instrument manufacturing demands extreme precision," said Ma Jikun, manager of Tianjin Oves Musical Instruments. "Taking the tuba as an example, its production requires over 300 parts. The bell alone requires about 20 steps, followed by rigorous testing to ensure perfect sound quality."
The tuba bell's material must be accurate to 0.2 millimeters, and it must be manually welded. A skilled worker can weld a maximum of 10 bells per day, Ma said.