Discover Textile Culture and Preserve Urban Memory
Textile workers were once model workers, and female textile workers were considered excellent prospects for a spouse. This well-known saying reflects the glory of the textile industry. As one of China's economic pillars in the past century, the textile industry has accumulated a unique culture and left behind valuable industrial relics.
"By utilizing the soft power of culture and creativity to protect and utilize old factories," said Huang Linghai, general manager of Yongle Intellect Park, "we are reviving the textile culture left behind, keeping it vibrant, and preserving a unique memory for urban renewal."
By using the original framework of the factory buildings, restoring the appearance of the red brick old walls, and retaining the large-span roof structure, the once dilapidated industrial plants have now become integrated functional spaces. They host a cultural and creative center, smart roadshow center, offices, cultural bookstore, cultural product exchange showcase, creative studios, brand stores, specialized dining, and leisure fitness, spanning over 20,000 square meters.
Walking through the park is like entering a miniature "textile museum." On the lawn sits a loom from the last century, and seeing it, one can almost hear the hum of the machine. Looking up, the 30-meter high old water tower stands out. Built in 1956 and retired from its historical stage in 1998, the old water tower once pumped and delivered water for more than thirty years to the factory area and nearby residents. Post-renovation, it will continue to stand and witness the park's new future.
The sawtooth roof design of the old factory buildings was influenced by Soviet Aid in the 1950s. It met the process needs for light, ventilation, and heat dissipation in textile workshops while ensuring the factory's interior remains warm in winter and cool in summer, combining energy efficiency with artistic sense. After renovation, it has been transformed into a cultural and creative center.
The residents treasure the "small auditorium," which has been preserved. The faded facade, relief five-pointed stars, and the "auditorium" inscription evoke a strong sense of nostalgia. Parts of the old construction techniques used in ancient buildings have also been preserved. Post-renovation, it has become a modern and stylish office space, preserving as much of the original auditorium's appearance and atmosphere as possible.
Merging into the Community, Culture Elements Imbued in the South City
Yongle Intellect Park is just 1.2 kilometers from the under-construction Fengtai Railway Station. With the station-city integration development, the surrounding old factories and communities will take the opportunity to enhance, with Yongle Intellect Park likely becoming a new cultural highlight in the southern city. It, along with the 1897 Erqi Factory Sci-Tech City, was selected as a pilot project for transforming old Beijing factory spaces into cultural spaces.
"We aim to become a representative cultural industry park in Fengtai District for upgrading old factories," said Huang Linghai. Since 2013, the park has been renovating and operating simultaneously, with 50% of the upgraded projects completed, and full completion expected by the end of the year. The park's occupancy rate is 98%, with education, training, technology, internet, and service industries becoming key development focus areas. Once fully operational, the park is expected to generate an annual economic output of 3 billion yuan with estimated taxes of 300 million yuan.
"As newcomers, we cannot be content with merely gaining 'a tile.'" Pointing to a six-meter-long smart park display in the hall, Huang Linghai explained that currently, revenues from more than twenty company value-added services account for 35% of the park's total income.
The park is part of the surrounding community, and the renovation considered community service needs. The 300 square meters rooftop sports field will open to the public, hosting public sports events; the cultural bookstore is under renovation, due to open this year for surrounding residents to enjoy as a reading space. Public restrooms in the park will also open to the public to supplement the insufficient community service facilities.