LensToLens | Industrial heritages of China and Germany transform into new cultural landmarks

SHENYANG, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- Industrial relics in Germany and China, grounded in their past glories, now face a promising future of rejuvenation.

The iron and coal industry in Germany has undergone both prosperity and decline throughout its history, leaving behind numerous industrial relics. These industrial relics were later designated as industrial heritages by the authorities, and were transformed into tourist destinations. The Voelklingen Ironworks in Saarland was the first monument from the zenith of the industrial era that was included on the UNESCO World Heritage list. It has become an essential industrial heritage museum and also a unique location for international exhibitions, festivals and concerts.

Meanwhile, Tiexi District in northeast China's Shenyang is an old industrial base established during China's First and Second Five-Year Plan periods. This area was once filled with buzzing factory machinery and extensive railway networks. It is where the first metal national emblem of the People's Republic of China was produced, along with numerous other "firsts" in the country's industrial production history. As China implements revitalization strategies for the old industrial bases in the country's northeast region, many traditional industrial companies have begun relocating from downtown areas, paving the way for the introduction of new service industries. The industrial heritages here have been transformed into public leisure spaces, creative industry parks, and distinctive neighborhoods.