By deeply exploring the cultural essence embedded in industrial heritage and developing diverse tourism scenarios and forms, an increasing number of former industrial sites in China have been turned into tourist destinations.
The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology recently unveiled its seventh batch of national industrial heritage sites, recognizing 32 locations across the country.
China is the only country with all industrial categories under the United Nations' industrial classification, making its comprehensive industrial system a treasure trove for the development of industrial tourism. Its diverse array of industrial heritage sites offers visitors tangible connections to the nation's industrial culture.
In Tiexi district, Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province, the former Hongmei MSG Factory sprawls across more than 60,000 square meters. Though production ceased years ago, the site remains vibrant. Thirteen surviving factory buildings have been transformed into a cultural and creative park housing art exhibitions, office spaces, and cultural and creative businesses. The central plaza now hosts over 80 specialty shops, drawing local residents seeking leisure experiences.
The renovation carefully preserved the historic buildings' original character while incorporating contemporary artistic elements. Today, the complex is home to more than 30 cultural organizations spanning literature, music, fine arts and calligraphy, hosting nearly 200 performances and exhibitions annually. What was once a cacophony of industrial machinery has evolved into a fashionable lifestyle destination.
The site was also designated as one of China's first national-level night culture and tourism consumption clusters.
According to an official from Tiexi district's culture and tourism bureau, the cultural and creative park currently provides over 1,000 jobs and generates nearly 120 million yuan ($16.9 million) in annual output, becoming a highlight of industrial tourism development in Shenyang, an old industrial city.
Chang'an Dahua Textile Factory, established in 1935 in Xi'an, northwest China's Shaanxi Province, fell silent as urban development progressed. The factory has since been converted into the Xi'an Dahua Museum, where memories of its industrial heyday are preserved.
Editor Ⅰ: Zhang Wenwen
Editor Ⅱ: Wu Dan
Editor Ⅲ: Liu Guosong
