Foshan has become an economic powerhouse in Guangdong over the last 20 years. But when looking closer at the numbers, it serves as a great microcosm of what has happened to China as whole: the hard work of migrant workers has driven much of the growth. Foshan has eight million residents, 1.5 million of which are migrant workers, making it a haven for people from other parts of the country. 

Most of the migrants are from out of province, and say they come to Foshan because of high wages. And the word is getting out: last year saw 120,000 more migrant workers come to Foshan than the year before.

Guangxi is the top source of workers, supplying 209,400 people. Within the province, Qingyuan at 69,700 supplies the most. Here’s a full breakdown of the numbers:

• Total number of migrant workers from outside the province: 1,078,000, or 68 percent of the total
• Total number of migrant workers from inside the province: 511,600, or 32 percent of the total
• Origin of migrant workers from outside the province: Guangxi at 209,400, Hunan at 133,300, Sichuan at 130,100, Guizhou at 107,700, Hubei at 104,700, and “Other” at 392,800
• Origin of migrant workers from inside the province: Qingyuan at 69,700, Zhaoqing at 68,600, Zhaoguan at 46,900, and “Other” 326,400

Some estimate the number of migrant workers may decline as China’s economy slows, particularly the manufacturing sector which Foshan is reliant on. But for now, more migrant workers are coming to Foshan each year than ever before.