Old industrial area gets modern makeover

Jilin's first business and cultural complex built on the relics of an old industrial area opened on Nov 12.

Developed by China Vanke Co, one of the country's most renowned real-estate developers, Changchun 1948 Business Street is evidence of the progress of cultural industry and the economy in Erdao district, which was formerly an industrial base in Changchun city.

Changchun 1948 is a key project of the Erdao district administration, the aim of which is to nurture a theme of modern progress while reflecting on the past glories of China's era of rapid industrialization.

The business street maintains the original looks of its predecessor, 20,000 square meters of land that once housed the Jilin Diesel Engine Factory, founded in 1948.

The legacy of the past half-century can be felt in the area's aged factory houses, red brick walls and rusty steel panels.

The State-owned factory was clearly planned, completely preserved and retains a strong character of the 1950s, when China was fiercely promoting the building of heavy industrial factories.

The street is divided into several sections, such as food and entertainment, and a historic museum of diesel engines helps call to mind stories from the past.

As of the end of August, a total of four catering and entertainment companies from Taiwan and Shenzhen have entered the Erdao district, hoping to work with Changchun 1948 to jointly build a high-end city complex that can rival landmark cultural zones in other cities, such as the 798 art zone in Beijing.

"Each city should have a landmark construction or cultural symbol. Changchun is no exception," said Huang Xianyu, head of the Erdao district.

Such a principle is showcased through similar efforts in the district.

Just one block from the street, an even larger historic cultural project is being planned. It will give visitors a hands-on experience of the old industrial zone.

The new project occupies an area of about 90,000 sq m. It consists of a central square and three blocks, with more than 40 structures scattered around.

xuxiao@chinadaily.com.cn

(China Daily 11/06/2012 page10)