Located in Tangshan City, Hebei Province, the Qixin 1889 cultural and tourism block was repurposed from an old cement plant to a modern tourist spot in 2011. The place has been listed as a national-level block for tourism and leisure purposes in China.
A photo shows a pier in Tangshan City, Hebei Province. /CFP
Built in 1889, the Qixin cement plant was the birthplace of the first barrel of cement in China. It's the cradle of China's cement industry which has witnessed more than 120 years of changes and development.
Evolving alongside the development and urbanization of the city, the old cement plant was turned into a cultural and tourism block featuring a brand-new look. The popular spot retained some original mechanical equipment of essential historical and cultural value.
Four German electric generators, a large wooden-carriage loading plank, cement mills and other forms of mechanical equipment were preserved in the block. What's more, several over-100-year-old architectures house vast archives which record more than 120 years of Chinese industrial development.
This block not only kept its old appearance but also added a dynamic vibe to the area. A museum was built to present the history of modern Chinese industry. Art galleries, bars, conference rooms, restaurants and other complete tourism facilities have been set up there, offering a trendy leisure spot to residents.
Shadow puppets are exhibited at the Tangshan Museum, Hebei Province. /CFP
The Qixin 1889 cultural and tourism block is a comprehensive zone which brings together the heritage of China's industrial development, tourism and cultural installations. It showcases how a traditional industrial city transformed itself into a modern, cultural one.