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Journal of Chinese
Architecture and Urbanism Red industrial heritage in China

sustainable development through brownfield management the historical context of the Chinese Civil War (between
and ecological restoration. the CPC and the Nationalist Party) before 1949, as well
The uniqueness of red industrial heritage, compared to as during World War II. During these periods, the CPC
other forms of cultural heritage, is also reflected in its technical played a critical role in organizing workers’ movements,
value. It not only stands as a testament to the CPC’s leadership often through underground trade unions. Simultaneously,
in Chinese-style modernization but also represents a crucial the Party established arsenals and other factories to
chapter in the history of China’s industrial and technological support wartime efforts by producing essential supplies
advancement. This is particularly evident in the progression of and generating funds. These industrial sites, shaped by the
production processes and industrial innovation. For example, CPC’s involvement, represent some of the earliest examples
during the 156 Project, the Soviet Union provided critical of red industrial heritage. They are rich with stories and
personalities reflecting the Party’s efforts and ideology.
design work, equipment, technical assistance, and expert
guidance. The Soviet collaboration also included training Following the CPC’s rise to power and the subsequent
China’s scientific, technological, and managerial talent nationwide industrialization after 1949, the concept of
(Chen, 2015). Within a decade, China’s industrial technology red industrial heritage evolved and matured, adapting to
advanced from being nearly a century behind industrialized the shifting needs and developments of the times. This
nations to reaching the level of the 1940s (Chen, 1999). The progression laid the groundwork for red industrial heritage
industries established during this period spanned almost to naturally embody the elements necessary to propagate
every major industrial sector and were instrumental in the mainstream culture. Its historical significance, combined
development of China’s modern industry. with the CPC’s influence, offers a strong foundation for
cultural dissemination and ensures its continued relevance
Further technical advancements were made through
assistance and technology transfers from countries such within mainstream cultural narratives.
as the former German Democratic Republic, Poland, and Several key factors contribute to this unique capacity.
Czechoslovakia. These efforts enabled China to master First, red industrial heritage is deeply embedded in
technologies in seamless steel tubes, superconducting glass the history of the CPC’s struggle and eventual victory,
fibers, and high-precision silicon semiconductors. Moreover, symbolizing perseverance, resistance, and national
the technical value of red industrial heritage is reflected in rejuvenation. Second, its association with key historical
the vast archival materials it generated. Despite the relatively moments and influential figures in modern China’s history
short timeframe, these archives document diverse aspects creates a tangible connection to the country’s development.
of industrial fields, including early site selection, layout, Finally, the preservation and adaptive reuse of these
construction, equipment procurement, enterprise party industrial sites ensure their continued relevance, allowing
organization development, and the recruitment of technical them to resonate with contemporary audiences and serve
personnel. This wealth of technological archival heritage, as both historical markers and active participants in
encompassing administrative, scientific, personnel, and mainstream cultural dissemination.
financial records, serves as a testament to the evolution of From a cultural standpoint, red industrial heritage
China’s industrial technology. transcends its role as a static landscape imbued with
3. Advantages and mechanisms of red specific cultural symbols. It serves as a site of memory and
plays the role of a “mediated memory.” By reconstructing
industrial heritage in disseminating historical scenes of mainstream culture through buildings
mainstream culture and structures, it fragments specific locations to create
Red industrial heritage possesses dual attributes as both collective memories. This reconstruction fosters a deep
material and spiritual heritage. The mainstream culture sense of pride and identity among individuals (Lu, 2012).
embedded within it relies on material entities—particularly The mediated memory function of red industrial heritage
buildings, structures, and scenes—that carry rich elements grants these sites unique narrative abilities. Many of these
of mainstream culture following renovation and updates. sites can be spatially renewed and transformed, carrying
These physical components have a strong narrative both a missionary purpose and practical value. This
function, enabling the dissemination of cultural values. function underscores the vital role of history in shaping
contemporary identity narratives—a capability not found
3.1. Advantages of red industrial heritage in in traditional revolutionary relics, literature, news reports,
disseminating mainstream culture or live performances.
The ability of red industrial heritage to serve as a vehicle Moreover, red industrial heritage serves as both a
for disseminating mainstream culture is deeply rooted in material site of memory and a cultural landscape capable of

Volume 7 Issue 1 (2025) 5 https://doi.org/10.36922/jcau.4611