She became an engineer in a packing machinery manufacturer based in Shunde. Using her knowledge and work experience, she improved the machines at the factory.

In 1997, Zhang and her husband set up a company to manufacture printing-and-packing machines in a shabby workshop in Zhongshan, Guangdong province.

"Funding was the biggest headache when we set up the company. We put in all our savings and the rest was on credit from our clients, who trusted our expertise and ability to innovate," Zhang said.

Only four months after establishing the company, Zhang's team produced China's first self-designed high-speed multiple-shaft extruder.

Zhang's startup has since grown into Sotech Smarter Equipment Co Ltd, a listed company that is expected to post more than 500 million yuan in gross revenue for 2015, according to the preliminary full-year earnings report.

"As a hi-tech company, Sotech is always climbing uphill with innovation as the root of energy," she said, adding that the company spends between 5 percent and 7 percent of its annual profits on research and development.

The now 56-year-old vice-chairwoman of Sotech is still working on the frontline of innovation, leading the R&D team to produce "China's first self-designed" printing-and-packing machines.

Zhang has sacrificed a lot of family time for work. Her daughter, now a college student, was sent to a boarding school since kindergarten years.

"In the machinery industry, female entrepreneurs are still belittled. While women may not be as farsighted or risk-taking as men, female leaders tend to be more sensitive to employees' needs and more prudent in drawing blueprints than male leaders," Zhang said.

"Guangdong may not offer tempting incentives like cheap land prices and low taxes as other areas in China are tending to do to attract investors and entrepreneurs. But the Guangdong government greatly supports entrepreneurs with a highly efficient system of project appraisals and approvals. Young people should seize the moment," said Zhang.

Agreed Li. "Guangdong has a strong environment for doing business. Most business people here are down-to-earth and keep a low profile, which I admire a lot."