Power plant: bamboo(5)

Anji is not only China's main bamboo production base but also the largest producer of bamboo manufacturing machines.

Anji Jitai Machinery Co Ltd manager Liu Zhanming says his company grew 20 percent annually from its 2003 founding until 2008.

Its 38 workers produce dozens of types of machines in its 1.2-hectare factory.

Many are exported to Africa, South America and Southeast Asia.

"We are a small enterprise, but we have a big impact on the world," he says. "About 2.5 billion people live in bamboo forests, and the market will grow. As it does, the machines will become greener."

Another up-and-comer in the bamboo sector is the textile industry.

Tan Zhuzhuang is Anji's main bamboo textile brand.

"Bamboo is almost as soft as silk," manager Du Dongliang explains.

"It breathes better than other materials and kills bacteria. So, it's cooler in summer and doesn't stink if you sweat. It's also three to six times more absorbent than cotton."

That said, bamboo cloth is about 20 percent more expensive than cotton.

But it's a long commodity chain. It takes 17 steps and 100 days to turn a bamboo pole into yarn.

Chen Yanfeng, the Xue Qiang Products manager improving on machines, believes Anji's and China's future bamboo alchemy shines.

"I think our situation will only get better as processing technology advances," he says.