Art districts more than a passing fad

An abandoned electroplating factory in Shenyang, capital of Liaoning province, has become a popular spot for artists to show off their talents.

The two-story remodeled facility on Jiansheda Road covers 1,500 square meters and has a modern interior. Yet the architect maintained the original red brick and steel facade of the creative zone to create a stark contrast.

“I like the industrial design. It gives you a sense of the times,” resident Chai Rui said.

The transformation of the factory is part of a campaign to preserve industrial architecture while converting abandoned buildings into creative areas, public sports zones and nursing homes to protect historical sites while transforming them into new growth drivers.

“I really like the art here, especially the shadow puppet candle holder,” Chai said. “Once you light the candle, a shadow is cast on the wall. It’s very interesting.”

The first floor of the zone has food stalls with names such as the House of Flying Daggers. Visitors can even enjoy their meals in a Jeep. The second floor has stalls selling handmade soap, a ceramics workshop and a paper-doll factory.

The creative zone is the fourth such transformation in Shenyang, following an industrial museum, a workers’ village and a creative industrial park, all built in abandoned factories.

The success of such projects — including Beijing’s 798 Art District and similar zones in Tianjin as well as Nanjing, Jiangsu province — have helped generate excitement for these initiatives around the country.

Chinese people are beginning to appreciate the value of the country’s industrial heritage, said Wang Jinshan, deputy director of the faculty of humanities at Inner Mongolia University of Finance and Economics.

“The abandoned factories are of great value in culture and society. They are normally located in downtown areas, so with proper use cities can develop while protecting their historical and cultural heritage,” Wang said.