Zhou Qixia, chairwoman and general manager of Guangdong Xinghua Gas Investment Group Co., Ltd., has led her company's transformation from a small, liquefied-petroleum gas store into a leading, modern private gas group in Dongguan, a city in South China's Guangdong Province.
Zhou, who is honest, pragmatic and diligent, has also led her team in overcoming numerous difficulties, in achieving technological innovation and business expansion, and in demonstrating women's ability to promote the healthy development of Dongguan's gas industry. She was named a National March 8th Red-Banner Holder in 2024.
Zhou and some friends established Xinghua Gas Group in 1997. Zhou, who understood the importance of reputation, was honest to a fault, and she eventually won the trust and support of the company's suppliers. That allowed Zhou to reach an agreement with the suppliers: Supply the gas first, and then pay for the gas within the specified deadline.
Zhou also attached great importance on building relationships with her partners, and adhering to the principle of win-win cooperation, both of which laid a solid foundation for the company's future development.
As she reflects on the company's development, Zhou says her proudest achievement has been leading the company's steady advancement in fierce market competition; more specifically, continuing to provide stable incomes to more than 1,400 employees, while continuously expanding the firm's business territory. Many of the firm's employees are from other cities or provinces, and they rely on their incomes from Xinghua Gas to ensure their stable lives.
During the winter of 2008, a blizzard occurred in Guangdong Province. It resulted in many road closures, and severe traffic disruptions. Delivery of gas produced in northern China was disrupted and there were limited supplies of gas imported from other countries. Xinghua Gas did not have a sufficient supply to meet its customers' demands.
Prices were rising, sharply, given the very limited supply of gas. The combination of dwindling gas and rising prices affected people's livelihoods. Ensuring the supply of gas based on the original prices would result in operating losses.
Some of Zhou's competitors began raising prices and rationing gas. But Zhou refused to do the same, she says, "Being honest is my rule. Having obtained a license, and having started a company, we had to ensure an adequate gas supply, and we could not raise prices." Zhou and her colleagues managed to raise funds and ensure gas supply. Eventually they overcame the difficulties and won public trust.
Zhou has always believed technological innovation is a core strategy for an enterprise's development. Therefore, Zhou has introduced technologies and equipment, from both domestic and foreign sources, and she has promoted the technological upgrading and transformation of her firm.
In addition, she has helped develop several gas technologies and products with independent intellectual property rights. For example, the containers Xinghua Gas uses to store gas are equipped with patented RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) smart chips.
The chips record information, such as which factory they are from, and the dates of filling, distribution and testing of the steel cylinders. Customers can scan the code to check the usage status of the cylinders. The device prevents the containers from being filled anywhere other than a Xinghua Storage and Distribution Station, ensuring "quality assurance."
The chip can also automatically determine the weight as the container is being filled. In addition, the chip identifies and detects information that prevents expired containers from being refilled.
The efforts taken by Xinghua Gas have not only contributed to the upgrading of clean energy in the region, but have also enhanced the company's competitiveness and sustainable development. Xinghua Gas has become a leading enterprise in the gas industry in Dongguan, and it has received the honorary titles of "Dongguan Integrity Service Demonstration Unit" and "Guangdong Province Contract-abiding and Creditworthy Enterprise" for several successive years.
Zhou has actively participated in public-welfare projects. She founded the Guangdong Xinghua Gas Foundation, which has donated money and goods to numerous in-need students, since 2007. She also worked with other organizations to help in-need college students and women, to promote their personal development.
Zhou has exemplified the wisdom and strength of women, and she has set a positive example for others in society. Her deeds have inspired countless women to pursue their dreams and goals. "I am grateful for this era, which has enabled women to realize their own value in entrepreneurship, and to shape their own image in progress. I hope more women will shine in their positions!'' says Zhou.
Photos from Interviewee
(Women of China English Monthly July 2025)
Editor: Wang Shasha
