Baiyun district site gets provincial industrial heritage rating

Baiyun district of Guiyang, Southwest China's Guizhou province, is celebrating its first provincial industrial heritage designation.

The original site of the Guizhou Aluminum Plant's automobile repair workshop – now the STArtz Art Zone, in the Aluminum Memory Cultural Park – has been officially recognized as a provincial industrial heritage site by the Guizhou Provincial Department of Industry and Information Technology.

Established in 1958, the Guizhou Aluminum Plant was the province's pioneering aluminum manufacturer, shaping Baiyun district's industrial development.

Following the relocation of key operations to the Qingzhen Aluminum Industrial Park, sections of the old factory were repurposed to preserve its rich industrial legacy.

In 2023, Baiyun district initiated the Aluminum Memory Cultural Park, repurposing the historic repair workshop and incorporating the STArtz Art Zone through collaboration with cultural experts.

The site highlights the evolution of aluminum production with preserved factory buildings, equipment, awards and archived materials.

The recognition process for provincial industrial heritage status requires sites to demonstrate distinct industrial characteristics, historical significance, preservation quality and effective management.

Guizhou Aluminum Plant's application is said to have excelled in these areas – showcasing its contributions to technology, history and culture.

This milestone is viewed as being a testament to Baiyun district's commitment to preserving and revitalizing its industrial heritage, ensuring its enduring relevance in fostering industrial culture and innovation.