In Tianjin, a city with a rich industrial history, old factories are finding new life. Once filled with the sounds of machinery, these spaces are now becoming vibrant destinations for culture, leisure and urban life.
Jinyi Park, located in Hedong district, is a striking example of this transformation.
Built on the site of the former Tianjin No 1 Machine Tool Works, the park brings together industrial heritage and modern urban experiences. Established in 1951, the factory was one of China's renowned "18 Arhats", a group of major State-owned enterprises that helped shape the country's machinery industry. It also produced China's first all-gear transmission lathe with independent intellectual property rights.
After production moved elsewhere, the factory gradually fell into disuse. Today, it has been given a new purpose through urban renewal.
The project, covering about 730,000 square meters, including the former factory compound and 15 surrounding residential communities, began in 2023. More than 20 industrial buildings have been preserved and renovated, allowing the site's historical character to remain part of the city's future.
Rather than simply replacing the old with the new, the renewal team carefully restored original brick walls, wooden floors, staircases and other architectural details. Historic machinery, overhead cranes and industrial components have also been incorporated into the redesigned spaces.
The result is a destination where history meets contemporary life. Visitors can explore the Tianjin Machine Tool Industry Museum, experience interactive industrial exhibits, enjoy cafes and take part in immersive activities inspired by the factory's past. A former building once used to accommodate Soviet experts has also been transformed into a cafe, preserving its historical atmosphere while welcoming a new generation of visitors.
This transformation is part of a much broader urban renewal movement across Tianjin.
As the city continues to upgrade its industrial structure, former factories and underused urban spaces are being revitalized into cultural, tourism and commercial destinations. The city's urban renewal plan for 2026 to 2030 identifies 215 renewal areas and outlines 26 key tasks, with a strong emphasis on revitalizing idle industrial buildings, protecting industrial heritage and creating new business opportunities.
Another example can be found in Xiqing district. A former textile factory has been transformed into the Tianjin Sezhi Factory tourism and leisure block. Since opening in May, it has attracted around two million visits during its first three months of trial operation.
Around 100 businesses now operate across 15,000 square meters of renovated space, offering restaurants, cafes, creative retail and cultural experiences.
These changes demonstrate how urban renewal can generate new economic opportunities while improving the quality and diversity of urban life.
From Jinyi Park to the revitalized textile factory, Tianjin is showing how a city can preserve its industrial memories while embracing new possibilities.
Urban renewal is not simply about rebuilding physical spaces. It is about reconnecting history with the present, bringing communities together and creating a more vibrant future, local officials said.
Li Xiaoling contributed to this story.
