Township building reputation as major baseball hub

In the Pearl River Delta, Dongsheng township was previously best known for manufacturing office furniture and its fishing industry, having greatly benefited from China's policy of reform and opening-up since the 1980s.

However, in the past 10 years, the 75-square-kilometer township with a population of about 174,000 has become better known for its leading position in China's development of baseball, with more than 500 students from its 20 schools involved in the sport.

"We already know that baseball should be played in schools and we have been consistent in our efforts to promote the sport among local students," said Feng Xiaolong, chairman of the Zhongshan Baseball and Softball Association.