Kaifeng, Henan: Tailored Power Supply Services Boost Development of Traditional Musical Instrument Village

On June 30, along the main street of Xuchang Village in Guyang Town, Lankao County, Kaifeng City, Henan Province, signs advertising the sale of Guzheng and Guqin—two types of traditional Chinese zithers—stood in front of homes with white walls and gray-tiled roofs. Melodious tunes drifted from antique-style courtyards. Amid the bustling street activity, two staff members from the State Grid Kaifeng Power Supply Company were seen inspecting various musical instrument workshops for potential electrical hazards.

Since the 1990s, villagers in Xuchang have been engaged in crafting traditional Chinese musical instruments. Thanks to a reliable power supply, the village has grown to host more than 90 family-run instrument workshops, providing employment for over 1,200 people from the village and nearby areas. These workshops produce more than 100,000 traditional Chinese instruments—including Guzheng and Guqin—annually, with a total output value reaching 180 million yuan.

Amid recent consecutive days of high temperatures, coupled with increased electricity demand for production, lighting, and cooling, the village’s power consumption has surged. In response, the State Grid Kaifeng Power Supply Company has ramped up its inspection efforts, conducting regular maintenance of electrical equipment in the workshops to eliminate risks at an early stage.

In recent years, the company has taken multiple steps to ensure stable and tailored power supply for this “musical instrument village.” For newly established workshops, it takes early action by dispatching staff for on-site inspections, simplifying the power connection application process, and ensuring timely electricity access. It has also developed customized power service plans, offering consultations and suggestions to help workshops cut costs and improve efficiency. Company personnel make regular visits to understand each workshop’s electricity needs, help check internal wiring and equipment, and eliminate potential safety hazards.