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Journal of Chinese
Architecture and Urbanism Red industrial heritage in China

Research reveals that red cultural symbols, especially by Qilu Evening News as the Jinan Railway Factory that
those tied to CPC history, are particularly challenging achieved two red firsts in Shandong. Similarly, Xinjiang’s
to establish and present. This difficulty stems from the Dushanzi Oil Refinery, included in the Fourth Batch of
sensitivity surrounding topics related to the Party’s Industrial Heritage List, has attracted significant media
historical figures or major events. Consequently, some red coverage. The local government has also emphasized the
industrial heritage sites with significant social value have refinery’s significance as the site of Xinjiang’s first oil well,
been transformed into commercial spaces for popular a vital red industrial landmark. In September 2023, the
brands, bar streets, small business parks, or express hotels, Third Batch of China’s Industrial Heritage Protection List
st
thereby losing their inherent historical and red cultural was unveiled, featuring, for the 1 time, 100 red industrial
significance. heritage sites symbolizing Chinese-style modernization
efforts. The inclusion of these sites marks an important
The complexity of transforming red industrial heritage milestone, reflecting growing official recognition and
does not imply that such efforts should be abandoned. appreciation for the research and preservation of red
Instead, the transformation process should adhere to the industrial heritage.
principle of preserving historical value and maintaining
factual accuracy. By recoding red cultural symbols during Second, various government departments have
the renewal and transformation of industrial heritage, gradually introduced policies aimed at protecting red
China can ensure these sites continue to serve as carriers industrial heritage. In July 2020, the National Development
of red cultural values while also realizing their potential for and Reform Commission, the Ministry of Industry and
modern reuse. Information Technology, and five other agencies jointly
released the Implementation Plan for Promoting the
4.3. Driving force of top-level design Protection and Utilization of Industrial Heritage in Old
Under comprehensive top-level planning, significant Industrial Cities. This plan specifically emphasized the
progress has been made in bringing attention to the importance of preserving and utilizing industrial heritage,
preservation of red industrial heritage. This progress is particularly from different historical periods following
evident in two key areas. the founding of the People’s Republic of China. In the
same year, the National Cultural Heritage Administration
First, society at large has increasingly focused on the published the Top Ten Cases of National Revolutionary
future of red industrial heritage, generating a broad public Cultural Relics Protection and Utilization, highlighting
consensus around its protection. The historical, cultural, three significant red industrial heritage sites: the China
and tourism significance of these sites is gaining increasing Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center Historical Exhibition Hall,
recognition. Since 2019, media coverage has brought many representing aerospace industrial heritage; the Qinghai
red industrial heritage sites into the spotlight. For instance, Atomic City Memorial Hall, reflecting national defense
the Factory History Museum of Shandong Locomotive and industrial heritage; and the Red Flag Canal in Linzhou,
Rolling Stock Co. (Figure 5), which previously received little Henan, a key water conservancy project.
attention, garnered widespread interest after being featured
Under strategic, high-level planning, the preservation
of red industrial heritage has gained increased emphasis,
fostering a broad consensus regarding its social value.
However, heritage conservation remains a complex and
ongoing endeavor, one that extends beyond the immediate
influence of political power. Therefore, approaches to
preserving and utilizing red industrial heritage should
adhere to principles of scientific decision-making,
prioritization of protection, and effective utilization.
Building on current momentum, it is essential to strive for
a qualitative leap forward in safeguarding and functionally
utilizing red industrial heritage.

5. Strategies for the protection of red
industrial heritage
Figure 5. History Museum of Shandong Locomotive and Rolling Stock
Co., Ltd. Source: Photo by History Museum of Shandong Locomotive and In the current landscape of industrial heritage protection
Rolling Stock Co., Ltd and reuse in China, a significant portion of successfully

Volume 7 Issue 1 (2025) 10 https://doi.org/10.36922/jcau.4611