Summary of Key Points
This news article focuses on the Crystal City in Donghai County, Lianyungang (known as the "World Capital of Crystal"), and describes the unique ecosystem where tens of thousands of people make a living by selling crystals through live streaming. These streamers do not receive a fixed salary or sign contracts with any organization; instead, they earn commissions from sales. They use simple equipment consisting of a smartphone and a tripod, relying on 5G network technology to conduct their broadcasts. The system is flexible, allowing them to start streaming immediately upon arrival and sharing the profit from price differences, with some even expanding into cross-border live streaming. Many ordinary people, like Brother Hu, have found a way to make a living through this medium without requiring a large investment, making the local crystal business both accessible and globally connected.
1. The "Freelance Streamers" in the Crystal City: No Salary, No Contracts, Just Commissions
There are over 7,000 shops in the Crystal City, with one or two thousand of them engaging in live streaming. At peak times, tens of thousands of people may be streaming simultaneously. Most of these streamers are local residents or former crystal traders who neither sign contracts with MCN (Multi-Channel Networks) companies nor receive a fixed salary from the shops. Their daily routine is straightforward: they arrive at the Crystal City, start streaming, randomly choose a shop, pick up a crystal, and begin promoting it without needing to greet the shop owners. Their income comes from a "premium split" arrangement—any extra profit from selling the crystal at a higher price than offline is shared with the shop owner. Choosing a shop depends on experience; popular shops generate more sales but lower commissions, while less popular shops offer higher commissions but are harder to sell from. If fans request a specific shop, the streamer will go there immediately to stream. For shops, this system eliminates the need to pay a fixed fee to hire a streamer, while for streamers, it means they can start working with almost zero cost, providing flexibility and freedom.
2. "Wild Wisdom": The Pricing Strategy in the Live Streaming Rooms
Live streaming viewers prefer to compare prices from different sources and seek the lowest price, but there is a tacit understanding between merchants and streamers:
- The live streaming price is set twice as high as the offline price; offline buyers can get a 50% discount directly from the shop owner.
- In the live streaming room, the streamer will "pretend to negotiate" with the owner, and the transaction is finalized at a 70-80% discount, giving the viewer the impression of getting a good deal.
- The difference in price (e.g., 50% off offline vs. 70% off online) goes to the streamer as a commission.
Shops will also display signs indicating whether they offer live streaming or not, allowing streamers to quickly determine whether they can earn a commission. Although the system is simple, it balances the interests of all parties: viewers feel they are getting a good deal, streamers earn money, and shops can clear their inventory.
3. 5G: The Hidden Backbone Supporting Tens of Thousands of Streams
With thousands of people streaming in high definition simultaneously, a good network is essential. The Crystal City installed 5G base stations and gigabit internet coverage in 2020, and during holidays or major shopping events, operators increase bandwidth to prevent lag. They are even exploring cross-border dedicated lines to support overseas live streaming and order processing. Brother Hu mentioned that without 5G, his stream would be laggy and unable to retain viewers; the fast upload speed provided by 5G is crucial for his work. In essence, the network is the foundation of this live streaming ecosystem.
4. A New Source of Income for Ordinary People: Low Barriers to Entry, Flexible Employment
Donghai County has 300,000 people involved in the crystal industry, but traditional businesses (such as opening stores or processing crystals) require significant capital. People like Brother Hu, who failed in traditional business ventures, can enter the crystal industry with almost no investment—just a tripod, a power bank, and a measuring tool. The government also provides free live streaming training programs. The Crystal City operates 24/7, and streamers have flexible working hours, with higher earnings during peak seasons (around the New Year). Brother Hu says that streaming allows him to make a living without much effort, making it much easier than running a store. This model offers ordinary people without capital or experience an opportunity to survive.
5. The Rise of Cross-Border Streaming
Cross-border sales account for one-tenth of the total transaction volume in the Crystal City, and streamers are learning English (even if their skills are basic) to take on overseas orders. Korean-speaking streamers are in high demand as Korean consumers have a strong interest in crystals. With support for cross-border logistics and internet connectivity, crystals are sold all over the world. The live streaming business in this small county has quietly become a global endeavor.
Conclusion
The live streaming ecosystem in Donghai Crystal City is a prime example of how the digital economy has penetrated to rural areas. By using simple tools and flexible rules, it enables ordinary people to enter the workforce with low barriers. It also helps traditional industries thrive through live streaming, thanks to the support of 5G technology and the Chinese approach of adapting innovative solutions to practical needs, turning high-end technologies like live streaming and cross-border trade into accessible means of making a living for ordinary people.