LIAOCHENG, China, July 31, 2025 — The inaugural China AI-Designed Cotton Apparel Competition wrapped up on July 29 in Liaocheng City, Shandong Province’s Dongchangfu District. The final round featured twenty-three teams from across the country, who presented almost 100 design entries.

The China National Textile and Apparel Council, the Shandong Provincial Department of Industry and Information Technology, and the Liaocheng City People’s Government jointly hosted the event. With “Fashion AI @ Cotton Apparel” as its central theme, the competition sought to delve into the cultural aspects of cotton apparel design using AI and to promote the intelligent upgrading of conventional industries. Since its launch on March 11, the competition garnered 6,129 submissions from academic institutions, businesses, design studios, and independent designers. Following a four-month competition, the jury awarded one Gold Prize, two Silver Prizes, three Bronze Prizes, and several special awards. Ma Liang’s “Misty Aroma” secured the top prize. The winning designs will be included in a Mass Production Acceleration Program, which includes comprehensive support such as prototype subsidies and order matching services. This initiative bridges the gap between runway concepts and production lines, accelerating Houying Town’s transformation from a “manufacturing hub” to an “innovation center.”

Dongchangfu District, a key cotton apparel hub in China, is home to over 200 specialized manufacturers producing 55 million garments annually, with a total output value exceeding 2 billion yuan. The district commands 70% of China’s lightweight autumn/winter cotton apparel market through its unique “Internet + Companies + Workshops” operational model. The district’s products are exported to international markets, including Greece and South Korea. Houying Town alone houses over 100 manufacturers with an annual capacity exceeding 36 million pieces and an output value of over 1.1 billion yuan.

In recent years, Liaocheng City has focused on intelligent transformation in the textile industry, implementing digital design systems and flexible production models. What began as rural household workshops has evolved into global commercial enterprises through courtyard economy innovations, setting new standards for regional economic development.

Source: The People’s Government of Liaocheng City

CONTACT: Contact person: Ms. Zhang, Tel: 86-10-63074558