In the "Seeking Hometown Dreams" exhibition hall of the Ziyang Museum in Sichuan Province, replicas of the skull fossil and maxilla of the "Ziyang Man" discovered locally are on display. In 1957, Pei Wenzhong, the renowned expert who discovered Peking Man, along with archaeologists including Wu Rukang, co-authored the publication "Ziyang Man," announcing that the fossils were from a Homo sapiens skull dating back 40,000 to 35,000 years. The publication also noted that the alveolar process of the Ziyang Man's maxilla was prominent, indicating severe chronic localized osteomyelitis or chronic alveolar abscess during his lifetime.
While ancient humans suffered from dental issues tens of thousands of years ago, today, a "China Dental Valley" is rapidly emerging in Ziyang High-Tech Zone, just a few kilometers from the excavation site. Recently, the 2026 China Dental Valley Industrial Development Conference was held, coinciding with the tenth anniversary of its construction. What was once barren land has now grown into the largest cluster of oral equipment and materials industry in China and the world's largest production base for invisible orthodontic appliances.
The birth of China Dental Valley began with a provincial strategic decision. In 2016, leveraging the top disciplinary advantages of West China School of Stomatology, the provincial government decided to establish the project in Ziyang as a demonstration of supply-side structural reform. At that time, Ziyang was known as the "Western Vehicle City," with strengths in automotive and locomotive industries, but had almost no presence in oral equipment. The local government formed a dedicated team, making China Dental Valley its top industrial project.
To plan the industry, Ziyang commissioned McKinsey to draft a development plan focusing on a full industrial chain ecosystem. For spatial layout, the China Academy of Urban Planning and Design was engaged to create a blueprint integrating industry and urban life. Over the past decade, the Yannan Lake area in Ziyang High-Tech Zone has transformed significantly. A total of 146 enterprises, including Align Technology, Yingweida, NSK, and BonDent, have settled in, obtaining over 400 product certifications and covering more than 160 types of oral equipment and materials. The cluster has been recognized as a national specialized SME cluster, with output value reaching 4.5 billion yuan by 2025.
One major challenge in the industry is the lengthy and costly certification process. To address this, Ziyang High-Tech Zone established a green channel connecting national, provincial, and municipal levels, reducing overall registration time by 60% compared to standard procedures. Certification services are now among the fastest nationwide, with some companies achieving approval in just 34 working days.
Collaboration with West China School of Stomatology has been crucial. Since 2025, both sides have set up a 75-million-yuan fund for scientific transformation, facilitating joint projects between enterprises and experts. Several科研成果 have been successfully commercialized, such as medical anti-caries paste and oral films developed jointly with West China.
Talent cultivation is another focus. The Ziyang College of Stomatology, the only such institution in China, was established in 2019 adjacent to the industrial park. Initially planned for 5,000 students, it now hosts over 8,000, offering 17 specialized programs and supplying 2,000 skilled graduates annually. Order-based classes allow students to train specifically for industry needs, ensuring a steady talent pipeline.
The benefits of the dental industry are also reaching the public. Local residents now have access to affordable dental care, with clinics using products from China Dental Valley reducing costs by 15-20%. Community programs provide free check-ups and education, particularly for children and the elderly, shifting focus from treatment to prevention.
From ancient dental ailments to modern industrial innovation, Ziyang's decade-long effort has turned a dental challenge into a source of health and happiness.