The former Daxing Flour Mill, a century-old industrial site in Nantong, has embraced its new phase of vitalization following the cooperative operation agreement signed between Nantong Tangzha Ancient Town Protection and Development Co and Jiangsu Bluepark Cultural Industry Group on Nov 10. 

The project, with a total investment of 35 million yuan ($4.92 million), is planned to be developed into a digital cultural block integrating cultural tourism consumption, digital office spaces, and leisure sports, aiming to promote the urban renewal and integrated cultural-tourism development of the Tangzha area. 

Located in Nanshi street, Tangzha town, the Daxing Flour Mill covers an area of approximately 16,000 square meters. Established in 1901 by the renowned industrialist and educator Zhang Jian, it was one of the important practice sites for his "saving the nation through the development of industry" ideology. 

After going bankrupt in 1908, it was reorganized as Fuxin Flour Mill in 1909 and continued production until the early 21st century. Due to industrial transfer and production capacity adjustments, the flour mill was shut down in August 2020. The factory buildings remain well-preserved, with facilities such as docks and workshops still reflecting the bustling scenes of its heyday. 

According to the plan, the project features three functional zones: a cultural tourism consumption zone, a digital industrial zone, and a community support zone. The cultural tourism consumption zone will include a Zhang Jian cultural classroom, an art exchange space, and other facilities, combining audio-visual technology with immersive experiences to reproduce the charm of industrial culture. 

An old photo of Fuxin Flour Mill. [Photo/Nantong Daily]