Dasheng Academy. [Photo/Nantong Daily]

Dasheng Academy, originally the library of Nantong Textile Specialized School built in 1934, reopened after renovation during China's National Day holiday starting on Oct 1.

The academy has been upgraded with modern services to mirror the development of Dasheng Group, while still maintaining its original style and function.

Qiu Songsong, who leads the Asset Management Department at Jiangsu Dasheng Group, said that the academy is a joint effort between Dasheng Group and Nantong Library, designed to offer cultural services and events that enhance the lives of employees and the public.

The library features self-service borrowing machines and has a collection of over 6,000 books covering literature, history, science, and art, suitable for readers of all ages. It is also connected to Nantong Library to enable smooth borrowing and returning of books.

The academy is part of the first-phase renovation project of the Dasheng Cotton Mills, which includes the creation of a new space called Dasheng Jian Life. This space offers visitors a cultural environment where historical experiences are blended with contemporary consumption.

The Qinghua Workshop hosts the 130th Anniversary Achievement Exhibition of Dasheng Group, highlighting the company's transformation into a modern corporate group. The exhibition features various historical devices produced by Dasheng Group.

An exhibition hall dedicated to the archives from the early days of Dasheng Cotton Mills, which were recognized as documentary heritage on UNESCO's Asia-Pacific Regional Register of the Memory of the World (MOW) Programme in 2022, emphasizes the mills' difficult journey and historical accomplishments.

Looking ahead, Dasheng Group plans to further leverage its industrial heritage sites, with the goal of creating a modern industrial cultural landmark in Nantong.