CHONGQING (CQNEWS) -- In recent years, the preservation and use of industrial buildings have received widespread attention. These fluky old factories, warehouses, and buildings that were left behind have been transformed into new landmarks of a city with the addition of cultural creativity.

As the old industrial marks fuse with the modern, old factories have become Chongqing’s new Internet-famous sites, the most famous of which is Eling Testbed 2.

In fact, in addition to Eling Testbed 2, there are many other places of art and culture in Chongqing, all of which are transformed from these old industrial factories that carry special historical memories, fusing heavy history with modern humanity.

Eling Testbed 2 Cultural and Creative Park 

Since the movie I Belonged to You, Eling Testbed 2 has become an instant hit in Chongqing as a filming location and a must-visit for tourists.

Testbed 2 was formerly known as Chongqing Banknote Printing Factory founded in 1939. It is said that almost all banknotes were printed from here from 1950s to 1970s.

After the transformation, the spot has become an iconic Chongqing cultural hub, with a variety of small shops, cafes, restaurants and bars.

Pigeon Old Factory

Located in Shapingba District of Chongqing, it is now only 1km away from Campus B, Chongqing University.

Pigeon was formerly known as Chongqing Electric Wire and Cable Co., Ltd and it was the maker of the first wire in Chongqing.

In 2001, as one of the first batch of state-owned enterprises restructuring, it registered as Chongqing Pigeon Electric Wire and Cable Co., Ltd. In 2018, and the old factory of Pigeon proceeded to be transformed. 

Wall-to-wall cirrus, moss-filled stone paths, stilted building, bulletin board that has not yet faded, large motor that was left behind... This brings back memories of Chongqing from that era.

Mexin Wine Plaza

Wine Plaza was formerly Mexin doors factory. Mexin is well positioned to transform the area because of its experience in the development of Foreigner Street and Wine Town.

Wine Museum, Shiraz Restaurant, Seafood Street, Best Paradise... Not only is it a street of food, lodging, transportation, shopping and entertainment, but it’s also affordable and economical, and it claims to be able to create more than 10,000 party scenarios.

“Every era has its own cultural consumption scene, and we are personally present in each scene to talk to the times.”

Beicang Cultural and Creative Park

Located in the heart of Guanyinqiao of Jiangbei District, Beicang is just a few hundred meters away from 9th Street.

Beicang was formerly a warehouse of Chongqing Jiangbei Textile Factory surrounded by old residential buildings. The alley’s facade is covered in graffiti, recording the city’s story. It is located in a busy area, but without the hustle and bustle of Guanyinqiao and 9th Street. It is known as “the most beautiful warehouse in Chongqing” because of its quiet and tranquil atmosphere.

Yanziyan Mountain City Back Street Film & Television Cultural and Creative Park

Back Street Film and Television Culture and Creative Park is located in the back street of Pipashan, Yuzhong District.

Here was No. 1 Printing Factory, which has carried the memories of Chongqing people for a generation. The old warehouses built on the hillside vividly show the properties of Chongqing in the mountains. The Yanzi Hotel, which has been operating for decades, has left a familiarity sense to the park, while the “Shenxian Cave” and “Guoyuan”, which were discovered accidentally afterwards, have added a strong cultural atmosphere to it. (Translated by Wang Huixin, Fathom Language Limited)