Gongyuan, which used to make photographic film and paper, was once the pillar of China's photosensitive material industry. Founded in the 1950s, the company created its production line and manufactured the first black and white photographic film and paper in the country.

It also pioneered other products like printing plates and X-ray films and was seen as the pride of China's industrial sector.

However, digitization dealt a fatal blow to Gongyuan's business at the turn of the century, and the company closed its doors after more than 50 years of operation.

Guo Qing joined Gongyuan in late 2019. He was appointed director of corporate responsibility at Gongyuan, a heavily indebted factory that has not produced anything in 14 years.

Today, Guo wants to ensure the profound impact the company and its workers had isn't forgotten. His goal is to spearhead the application for state recognition as an industrial heritage site.