Road of History - An Industrial District with a Foreign Influence

The cherished memories of a city can often be found in the well-worn street communities, which reflect the city's historical roots and traditional ways of life.

As these cities develop into modern communities, large numbers of invaluable places are either abandoned or demolished. In an effort to preserve and emphasize the significance of what remains, CRI is publishing a series of features on China's cultural and historical streets and districts.

The historical value of the Jianxi industrial district in Luoyang city of Henan province can be found in the profound influences that were provided by the former Soviet Union.

With a population of about 200 thousand, the district was constructed in the 1950s based on blueprints by elite architects from the former Soviet Union. The factories and residential areas bear the hallmarks of that historical period. Many of China's heavy machinery factories are located in this district.

Although the district has undergone several restorations, the architectural style remained. The layout is considered one of the world's best in terms of its scientific arrangement. It also demonstrates the clash of two cultures, with elements from both China and the former Soviet Union.