Located in Guangdong Province, between Shenzhen and Guangzhou, the city of Dongguan (东莞) has evolved from a traditional manufacturing base into one of China’s most dynamic hubs for precious metals trading, jewelry production, and gold refining. Known for its high level of craftsmanship, industrial efficiency, and access to major transport corridors, Dongguan offers global gold investors, wholesalers, and jewelers a strategic location to source pure 24K gold bars, nuggets, dust, and jewelry directly from trusted manufacturers and refineries.

As part of the Greater Bay Area, Dongguan benefits from close integration with Hong Kong’s financial systems and Shenzhen’s gold refining infrastructure, creating one of the most robust gold supply chains in Asia. The city’s gold ecosystem includes refineries, certified assaying labs, export companies, and jewelry manufacturing clusters that supply both domestic and international markets.

This in-depth guide explores how to buy gold from Dongguan, covering market insights, legal frameworks, leading suppliers, export processes, and key investment opportunities for both local and foreign buyers.

Overview of Dongguan’s Gold Industry

Dongguan has long been recognized as a precision manufacturing city, but in recent decades, it has also become an important jewelry production and gold trading center. The local government’s support for industrial upgrading and cross-border trade has encouraged many refineries and jewelry companies to establish operations here.

Most gold traded in Dongguan originates from licensed refineries in Shenzhen, Hong Kong, and Shanghai, before being refined or crafted into finished bars, coins, and jewelry. The city also supports numerous OEM jewelry manufacturers, enabling investors to source custom-designed gold products for export.

With its logistical advantage — just 50 kilometers from Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport and Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport — Dongguan connects easily to global gold markets.

Why Buy Gold From Dongguan

1. Central Position in the Greater Bay Area

Dongguan’s location between Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Hong Kong gives it exceptional trade access and lower operational costs than Shenzhen itself.

2. Certified Refiners and Manufacturers

Many Dongguan gold suppliers hold Shanghai Gold Exchange (SGE) and China National Gold Association (CNGA) certifications, guaranteeing product quality and authenticity.

3. Competitive Prices

Thanks to the presence of refining plants, manufacturers, and wholesalers, buyers can secure factory-direct prices for 999.9-purity gold bars and nuggets.

4. Skilled Craftsmanship

Dongguan’s jewelry artisans are renowned for their precision casting, engraving, and polishing, meeting the highest international standards.

5. Reliable Export System

The city’s well-established logistics infrastructure supports fast, insured, and legal gold exports worldwide.

Major Gold Trading and Manufacturing Areas in Dongguan

1. Chang’an Town (长安镇)

A high-tech industrial zone specializing in jewelry design and fine gold processing. Many international jewelers collaborate with Chang’an-based factories for custom 18K and 24K pieces.

2. Humen Town (虎门镇)

Hosts wholesale jewelry markets and distribution centers dealing in gold bars, nuggets, and dust, serving both retail and export buyers.

3. Dalang and Houjie (大朗, 厚街)

Important hubs for refining, assaying, and bulk gold bar production. Many refineries here handle gold from mining regions across Africa and Central Asia.

4. Nancheng District (南城区)

Dongguan’s commercial core, where major financial institutions, trading companies, and export agents operate.

Leading Gold Refiners and Dealers in Dongguan

1. Dongguan Gold Refining Co. Ltd. (东莞黄金精炼厂)

A leading local refinery certified by the Shanghai Gold Exchange, offering 999.9-purity bars, bullion, and gold dust for export.

2. Kinggold Jewelry Manufacturing (金皇珠宝制造有限公司)

A large-scale manufacturer producing 24K, 22K, and 18K gold products for international clients.

3. Dongguan Dajin Precious Metals Co. Ltd. (东莞大金贵金属)

Specializes in refining raw gold and converting it into bars and granules for industrial and investment purposes.

4. China Gold Group Dongguan Branch (中国黄金东莞分公司)

The local arm of China’s national gold enterprise, offering fully certified gold bars, investment coins, and retail jewelry.

5. Dongguan Lixin Jewelry Co. Ltd. (东莞立信珠宝有限公司)

Known for its craftsmanship and wholesale distribution of gold ornaments and bullion.

Legal Framework and Regulations

Gold trade in Dongguan operates under China’s national gold policies, ensuring purity verification, trade transparency, and financial accountability.

Governing Authorities:

• People’s Bank of China (PBoC) – Oversees the monetary and trade policies involving gold.
• Shanghai Gold Exchange (SGE) – Certifies refineries and sets benchmark prices.
• China National Gold Association (CNGA) – Monitors ethical sourcing and industry conduct.
• Dongguan Customs Office – Regulates export documentation and inspection.

All licensed dealers in Dongguan must hold an SGE membership and provide official assay certificates with every transaction.

How to Buy Gold From Dongguan

Step 1: Identify a Licensed Dealer or Refinery

Confirm the company’s registration with the SGE or Dongguan Jewelry Industry Association.

Step 2: Verify Purity and Certification

Look for purity markings (999 or 999.9) and request an assay report issued by an accredited testing lab.

Step 3: Compare Market Prices

Use daily rates from the Shanghai Gold Exchange Index to ensure you are paying the correct market value.

Step 4: Secure Payment Options

Dongguan gold suppliers typically accept bank transfers, UnionPay, Alipay, or international SWIFT payments.

Step 5: Arrange Storage or Export

After purchase, gold can be securely stored in Dongguan’s vaults or shipped through licensed export channels under customs supervision.

Gold Refining and Quality Assurance

Dongguan refineries employ world-class techniques to maintain purity standards.

Common Assaying Methods:

• Fire Assay (Cupellation) – For precise purity testing.
• X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) – Non-destructive and fast testing.
• Spectrometry and Density Testing – Used for industrial and investment-grade bullion.

Each batch of refined gold is accompanied by:

• An assay report
• A serial number engraved on bars
• A certificate of origin

These documents ensure traceability and compliance with both domestic and international regulations.

Exporting Gold From Dongguan

Dongguan’s export system is closely linked with Shenzhen and Hong Kong, making international shipping streamlined and compliant.

Required Export Documents:

1. Export permit from the People’s Bank of China
2. Assay certificate
3. Commercial invoice and packing list
4. Customs declaration form
5. Insurance documentation

Shipping Routes:

• Via Shenzhen Airport (SZX) – Preferred for high-value air freight.
• Via Hong Kong (HKG) – Simplifies international delivery through free-trade channels.

Recommended Export Carriers:

• Brinks Global Services
• Malca-Amit Logistics
• Ferrari Group

These companies handle insured and certified gold exports worldwide.

Secure Storage and Custody Options

Dongguan offers reliable storage solutions for buyers who prefer to keep gold within China.

Options Include:

• SGE-Approved Vaults in Dongguan and Shenzhen
• Private Security Storage (Brinks, Loomis, China Gold Vaults)
• Bank Deposit Boxes under CNGA regulation

Facilities feature 24-hour monitoring, biometric access control, and full insurance coverage.

Investment Opportunities in Dongguan’s Gold Sector

1. Physical Gold Investment – Purchase refined 24K bars and coins for resale or long-term holding.
2. Wholesale Distribution – Establish trade links with Dongguan’s manufacturers for regional supply.
3. Jewelry Manufacturing Ventures – Partner with local workshops for branded jewelry exports.
4. Gold Refining Partnerships – Collaborate with refineries for certified bullion exports.
5. Industrial Gold Supply – Invest in gold alloys and granules used in electronics production.

With Dongguan’s expanding industrial and trade infrastructure, the city presents profitable entry points for gold investors worldwide.

Authenticity and Security Tips

• Verify supplier registration with the Shanghai Gold Exchange.
• Request purity certificates and invoices for every purchase.
• Conduct third-party testing if buying in bulk.
• Use insured shipping and secure payment channels.
• Keep all documents for customs verification and resale.

The Future of Gold Trade in Dongguan

Dongguan’s gold market continues to grow in scale and reputation. Supported by China’s Greater Bay Area development plan, it is expected to:

• Expand jewelry export capacity,
• Integrate blockchain tracking systems for gold traceability,
• Collaborate more closely with Hong Kong refineries, and
• Strengthen its role as a manufacturing and trading hub for global gold buyers.

As sustainability and technology become cornerstones of gold refining, Dongguan is set to emerge as one of Asia’s top destinations for ethical and certified gold trade.

Conclusion

Buying gold from Dongguan (东莞) offers global buyers access to high-purity 24K gold, advanced manufacturing, and transparent trading under China’s certified systems. The city’s location within the Greater Bay Area ensures unmatched logistics, while its refineries and jewelers deliver world-class quality at competitive prices.

For investors, jewelers, or wholesalers looking to expand their portfolios, Dongguan represents a secure, efficient, and profitable gateway into China’s gold trade ecosystem.