Loong Valley has become a hot spot among young people. [Photo by Miao Xiaojian]

Since reform and opening-up, Xiaolan Town gave birth to numerous entrepreneurs. Today, how can the entrepreneur gene be passed on to the younger generation?

Liang Zhuang, born in the 1990s, is making an attempt. As the general manager of Loong Valley, Liang keeps exploring on the cause of business incubation. He founded an online celebrity book store, innovated leasing mode and held cultural activities. All of those efforts have revitalized the neighboring stores along the streets.

Liang was born in an entrepreneur family in Xiaolan town. His father, founder of nail clipper brand "Feichang Xiaoqi", unconsciously influenced Liang with the entrepreneur spirit, since he finished his study in Canada and returned to Xiaolan to start businesses.

"Many people thought that I conceived a brave and incredible idea," said Liang with a smile. In the business incubation area at Loong Valley, there are independent offices equipped with a complete set of necessities including office tables and chairs, printers, refrigerators, microwave ovens, wash basins, etc. Besides, young entrepreneurs there are also provided with internet service, water and electricity, printing supplies, tissues and others for free.

Liang even made a braver move, which allowed entrepreneurs to enjoy the guesthouse-type service without paying any guarantee deposit or signing a lease contract. After a year of operation, 90% of space in Loong Valley has been leased, which beats Liang's expectation.

"There is a huge demand for starting businesses in Xiaolan", said Wu Mingjie, director of Xiaolan Youth Business Incubation Base and College Student Business Incubation Base. "An average of 20 people per month apply for entry to these two bases. As of now, over 300 young entrepreneur teams have grown up in the bases."

"We guide business incubation projects to gather there," said Lu Shuyun, member of the Party committee of Dongqu Community in Xiaolan Town. In order to embrace the entrepreneur climate, a group of old factories in the community have been transformed into incubation bases under the "Three Olds Reform".

For instance, the original Meixin Furniture Factory was turned into IOT Zhilian Maker Space in 2017. Its office space covers a total area of 7,800 square meters, up to 80% of which is leased.

Lu said three incubation bases including Loong Valley and IOT Zhilian Maker Space have formed a triangle matrix of business incubation within 1 kilometer around. They are gradually developing the cluster effect along with other incubation projects in the community.