Shougang: From industrial base to attraction in Beijing

Another former industrial area, within eastern Beijing’s Chaoyang District is Dashanzi 798.Of similar vintage although not so extensive in scale, it has been transformed into a premier art zone and exhibition space. Incorporating unique 1950s Bauhaus-design factory units along with an awesome background of power station, redundant gas and chemical production facilities, it has attracted international acclaim. Such areas have become historic legacies within the city’s story.

Various uses were proposed for Shougang, but ultimately it would become an industrial park. Its towering relics of 1950s industrialization to be incorporated into a zone of manicured outdoor spaces, lakes, unique dining experiences, hotels and commercial outlets. A major boost was the decision to locate there the headquarters of the Beijing Organizing Committee of the 2022 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. This in turn has encouraged infrastructure development both within the park and surrounding area. Going there today, it's hard to imagine only 11 years ago the noise, steam and production that had persisted particularly in strength from the 1950s, from a plant that, at its peak, employed around 200,000 workers.