CDN Lighting (Huizhou CDN Industrial Development Co., Ltd.) was founded in 2005 as a professional lighting company integrating design, research and development, production, and sales. Amidst the industry’s slowdown and intensifying price wars, CDN has emerged as a leader in China’s
high-end lighting sector. The company invests over 6% of its revenue annually in R&D, matching the investment levels of industries such as new energy vehicles, semiconductors, artificial intelligence, and information technology. Rejecting the race to the bottom in terms of quality and pricing, CDN has adopted a strategy of "innovating upward and expanding outward," driving industry upgrades through original design, innovative technology, and intelligent manufacturing. CDN has provided lighting equipment and intelligent systems for over 10,000 landmark projects worldwide, including the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge, Zhuhai Hengqin Port, the Shenzhen-Zhongshan Corridor, Beijing Daxing International Airport, and the Palace Museum. Internationally, CDN has left its mark on prestigious sites such as the PIF Headquarters in Saudi Arabia, Atlantis Hotel on Dubai’s Palm Jumeirah, Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, and the APEC Conference Center in Papua New Guinea, earning widespread global recognition.
Global Impact and Prestigious Projects
When CDN was first established,
China’s lighting market was already dominated by major brands such as NVC, Opple, and Sanxiong. NVC held a strong position in commercial retail, Opple excelled in home lighting, and Sanxiong had a significant share in engineering projects. As a newcomer, CDN had little chance to compete head-to-head with these industry giants. While it did not have a clearly defined path at the beginning, it was determined to take a differentiated approach. At that time, China’s lighting market was primarily focused on basic functional illumination, with little attention given to the finer aspects of lighting applications. However, commercial spaces had more pressing lighting needs, and hotels represented the pinnacle of
commercial lighting due to their high investment and long return cycles. Because few domestic brands were willing to invest heavily in this niche, CDN saw an opportunity and set its sights on high-end five-star
hotel lighting.
After repositioning itself in the hospitality sector, CDN dedicated itself to mastering lighting technology. Hotel lighting has exceptionally high technical requirements, so in 2009, CDN collaborated with German lighting experts and made advancements in product development, services, marketing, expertise, manufacturing, and customization. In 2010, it officially launched the "CDN BACH Series I," a comprehensive range of
high-end hotel lighting products, quickly becoming the preferred choice for hotel designers, clients, and high-end mixed-use developments. This strategic move allowed CDN to carve out a significant presence in the hotel lighting industry.
Dual Strategy: Scale and Specialization
CDN follows a dual strategy that combines both comprehensive and specialized approaches. While seeking large-scale growth through an all-category, all-channel, globalized strategy, it also maintains a strong professional focus. CDN not only continues to strengthen its leadership in hotel lighting but has also expanded into real estate turnkey projects, commercial retail chains, museums and galleries, mixed-use complexes, transportation hubs, outdoor
architectural lighting, health-focused lighting,
smart lighting,
residential lighting,
emergency lighting, and electrical accessories. This model allows CDN to rapidly and comprehensively meet customer needs.
CDN CEO Hu Yonghong explains: "From an industry perspective, market concentration is increasing, and dominant brands exert overwhelming pressure on smaller competitors. If we only pursue vertical growth without horizontal expansion, our room for survival will shrink. Moreover, as brands across various industries consolidate, customers are demanding more comprehensive, one-stop solutions from suppliers. If we offer only
commercial lighting products, clients will inevitably turn to brands that provide a broader and more complete product lineup."
“We have always stayed true to our original mission—to build a brand with integrity, responsibility, and commitment. Our lifelong focus is to excel in one thing: using professional lighting to breathe life into architecture, give soul to spaces, and optimize human light environments. We aspire to be the most trusted lighting system provider, delivering excellent products and services that enhance customer experiences and help them succeed in their respective fields—thus creating mutual success,” said CDN General Manager Chen Shi.
In 2010, just as LED technology was on the rise, CDN seized the opportunity by rapidly assembling a dedicated R&D team. Within six months, it overcame technical challenges and held 30 promotional events nationwide to establish its reputation as a leader in LED lighting. This early market entry helped CDN maintain a 20% lead over competitors in market penetration for five consecutive years.
In 2011, CDN reinforced its position by forming strategic LED partnerships with U.S.-based Bridgelux and Philips, securing an early foothold in the LED lighting revolution. In 2012, CDN became the first domestic supplier of an all-LED-illuminated five-star hotel—the Sheraton Huzhou Hot Spring Resort. That year, the company obtained 30 patented technologies and was recognized as a "Guangdong Province Innovative Pilot Enterprise," solidifying its reputation as an authority in hotel lighting.
Trend-Driven Innovation and Market Leadership
CDN adopted a "leapfrogging strategy" to accelerate its growth. By studying global industry trends at leading exhibitions, the company identified gaps and continuously refined its offerings. In March 2018, after attending Light + Building in Frankfurt, CDN identified the growing trend of sleek, minimalist linear lighting. By the end of the same month, it had established a dedicated linear lighting team, and by September, CDN had launched its linear lighting range with a grand unveiling at Tongji University in Shanghai. This move once again positioned CDN ahead of the industry—not by inventing trends but by leveraging them to carve out its own market.
R&D and Innovation: The Core of CDN’s Success
At the core of CDN’s success is its strong R&D and design capabilities. From the outset, the company established two major R&D centers—in Graft, Germany, and Huizhou, China. It recruited renowned domestic and international research teams to drive cutting-edge lighting innovation. In addition to building its own R&D team, CDN collaborates with leading institutions such as Tsinghua University, South China University of Technology, and Sichuan Fine Arts Institute to foster industry-academic partnerships. It has also received approval from the Guangdong Provincial Department of Science and Technology to establish the "Guangdong Urban Commercial Lighting Engineering Technology Research and Development Center" and has played a key role in drafting national standards for lighting appliances and
LED products.
Leading the Future of Chinese Smart Manufacturing
As China rapidly advances toward high-end and intelligent manufacturing, industries such as new energy vehicles, artificial intelligence, and information technology are fueling a global wave of "China Smart Manufacturing." In the lighting industry, as "Chinese design" begins to shape global lighting standards, CDN remains at the forefront of this evolution. With a development strategy centered on "original design as the engine, deep technological expertise as the foundation, and market insight as the guide," CDN is leading the lighting industry into a new era of Chinese technological excellence. By driving independent innovation, the company aims to restructure international supply chain dynamics and deliver more innovative and practical lighting solutions to global customers.
Design Excellence: Aesthetics Meets Functionality
CDN’s lighting fixtures stand out for their unique design philosophy, blending aesthetics with functionality. Whether for modern minimalist home lighting or elegant, atmospheric hotel lighting, each product is meticulously crafted to create a comfortable lighting experience for users. CDN also values product diversity and personalization, offering various styles and specifications to cater to different consumer preferences. More than just functional lighting tools, CDN’s products are works of art. They embody modern design aesthetics with clean, fluid lines and elegant shapes. From sleek commercial lighting to classically inspired hotel fixtures, CDN’s designs enhance their surroundings, seamlessly integrating lighting with architectural decor. For instance, creatively shaped
chandeliers and
wall sconces can serve as focal points in hotel lobbies or upscale restaurants, elevating the ambiance of the entire space.
Advanced Optical Design for Precision Lighting
CDN Lighting has invested heavily in optical design research and development. The optical design of its luminaires precisely controls light distribution and angles, ensuring that light is accurately projected onto designated areas while minimizing waste and glare. For example, in areas requiring accent lighting, such as museum exhibits and art gallery displays, CDN’s lighting fixtures use specialized optical lenses and reflectors to distribute light evenly and softly. This approach maximizes the restoration of exhibit colors and details while preventing light-induced damage. In architectural façade lighting, optical design enables long-distance and large-area illumination, highlighting the unique charm of buildings.
Commitment to High-Quality Color Quality
Color quality is another crucial focus for CDN Lighting. The company utilizes high-quality light sources and advanced color-mixing technology to offer a wide range of precise color options. Whether it's warm white for creating a cozy atmosphere or cool white for clear commercial displays, CDN meets diverse client needs. Moreover, CDN ensures color consistency in large-scale lighting projects, maintaining high uniformity across different luminaires to create a harmonious and cohesive lighting environment. In hotel banquet hall lighting, for example, CDN’s fixtures provide consistent color across vast spaces, fostering an elegant and luxurious ambiance.
Specialized Sub-Brands for Targeted Markets
To maintain its specialization across different lighting applications, CDN Lighting has established four independent sub-brands: BACH for
five-star hotels, KAZ for high-end
commercial spaces, Mayalit for
museums and art galleries, and SJ for
residential lighting. Each brand operates under a dedicated professional team, delivering tailored lighting solutions for specialized environments. BACH crafts dynamic lighting experiences for hotel spaces, redefining hospitality lighting aesthetics. It elevates the atmosphere with elegant lighting solutions, seamlessly blending into the luxury branding of hotels while making a striking impact. KAZ focuses on commercial space lighting systems, integrating smart connectivity to align with the digital economy era. As CDN’s high-end commercial lighting brand, KAZ serves niche markets such as fashion, accessories, footwear, dining, automotive showrooms, supermarkets, and home furnishing stores, offering a unique and compelling lighting product line. Mayalit draws inspiration from Mayan culture, emphasizing precision lighting to highlight historical and artistic beauty. It enables curators and artists to use light as a creative medium, transforming exhibition lighting into a form of visual art. SJ, CDN’s high-end residential lighting brand, caters to villa and luxury home owners, offering premium smart living solutions. Its mission is to integrate digital technology into lighting, ensuring seamless connectivity between all devices and providing users with a simple, stable, and intelligent whole-house lighting system.
Customer-Centric Philosophy and Corporate Culture
CDN Lighting is committed to customer-centric principles, ensuring that every product creates value and supports client success. This philosophy extends to its corporate culture, which, like its products, is subtle yet deeply impactful. The company actively listens to customer feedback and prioritizes genuine assistance in helping them achieve success and generate value, which is a critical strategy for sustaining growth in a competitive industry.
Human-Centered Lighting for Various Applications
Recognizing the vital role of lighting in human life and work environments, CDN Lighting adheres to a people-oriented design philosophy. In commercial settings, light intensity and color are meticulously arranged based on business types and consumer behaviors. In shopping malls, accent lighting highlights product textures and features, drawing customer attention, while public pathways are well-lit to ensure a comfortable and safe shopping experience. In hotel lighting design, every detail is carefully considered, from creating a grand ambiance in the lobby to ensuring cozy and relaxing lighting in guest rooms, delivering an enjoyable stay for travelers. In residential lighting, CDN prioritizes solutions tailored to various activities such as reading, dining, and relaxation, crafting a warm and comfortable home atmosphere.
Strong Designer Partnerships and Market Influence
CDN has a unique competitive edge in the designer channel, thanks to its long-term expertise in engineering projects. In architectural and commercial projects, lighting designers and interior designers play a decisive role in decision-making. Identifying these key stakeholders and influencing their choices is a strategic focus in market competition. To ensure its lighting products align with the latest industry trends, CDN conducts comprehensive market research and collaborates with architects, interior designers, and lighting designers during the early stages of product development. The company gathers insights, refines prototypes, and conducts rigorous testing before launching products to market. Additionally, CDN strengthens its brand influence by hosting multiple design forums and promotional events for designers each year, fostering lasting partnerships and earning industry recognition.
Commitment to Rigorous Quality Control
Behind CDN’s professionalism lies an unwavering commitment to quality control. In December 2018, the CDN Lighting Testing Center officially received accreditation from the China National Accreditation Service for Conformity Assessment (CNAS), demonstrating its compliance with ISO/IEC 17025 standards. This certification allows CDN to issue test reports with the CNAS logo, which are recognized in over 100 countries and regions that have signed mutual recognition agreements with CNAS. The testing center is equipped with 308 testing and analytical instruments, operated by experienced technical professionals, ensuring a stringent quality management and certification process. The center provides a full range of technical services, including material-to-finished product testing, data analysis, software evaluation, safety assessments, and technical training. Its comprehensive testing capabilities cover photometric analysis such as spatial light distribution, integrating sphere measurements, flicker assessment, accelerated lifespan testing, and power aging tests. Electromagnetic compatibility tests include conducted, radiated, surge, electrostatic discharge, voltage dips and interruptions, ring wave, and burst testing. Safety testing procedures involve IP protection rating, needle flame, glow wire, flammability rating, electrical strength, insulation resistance, grounding resistance, spring impact, ball pressure, temperature rise, and structural evaluation. Reliability tests include high and low temperature cycles, thermal shock, salt spray, vibration, drop tests, and hazardous substance analysis such as RoHS compliance testing.
CDN’s Vision: Elevating China’s Position in Global Lighting
Having dedicated nearly two decades to the lighting industry, CDN Lighting is reshaping the global landscape of lighting industrial design through its expertise in industrial design, technological innovation, and optical advancements. Within the global value chain, research and development, design, and branding command the highest profit margins, while Chinese manufacturing has long been trapped at the lower end of the value curve, yielding minimal returns. CDN is determined to break this cycle by leveraging three core pillars: technological innovation, aesthetic design, and brand value. Through this strategy, the company aims to transcend industry limitations and enhance China’s position in the global lighting industry.
Recognition for Excellence: Global Design Awards
CDN’s "Technology + Aesthetics" innovation model has propelled its products to new heights. In 2025, the company secured five iF Design Awards and 30 national patents for pioneering products, including the KARMA decorative downlight, the ML5.0 ultra-slim magnetic
track lighting system, the SOLA modular audio light, the AUTROL motorized remote-controlled light, and the MATE 6.0 zoomable downlight. These accolades underscore CDN’s relentless pursuit of innovation and excellence, solidifying its reputation as a global leader in the high-end lighting industry.
