Several photographers have captured the journey of the Nan Fung Textile Mill, down to the revitalization of the building where the mill, previously one of the city's major textile manufacturing units, used to be located. Some photos capture the years of boom in textile production at the mill, contrasting sharply with those showing abandoned factory floors, signifying the industry's decline. Seen together the photos help chart the ebb and flow of Hong Kong's textile manufacturing history, in which the landmark building housing the Nan Fung mills had a key role.

Founded in the 1950s, the Nan Fung Textile Mill soon went on to produce the bulk of fabrics manufactured in Hong Kong. It is said to be an emblem of the city's textile heritage. In 2014 the owners announced their plan to transform the mill into a 264,000 square feet community space for innovation, cultural activities and learning. The heritage program, run by the non-profit MILL6 Foundation, is aimed at preserving and showcasing the rich history of the city's textile industry. The photos of the mill will go into the archive and help in the research of the glorious era when Hong Kong-made textiles had captured the world's imagination.

Scenes of dismantling and rebuilding the Nan Fung mills were captured by photographers Kitty Chou (1, 8),Law Yuk-mui (2), So Hing-keung (6, 7, 11) and South Ho (9, 10).

Archival photos of the Nan Fung mills, showing textile production in the factory's heydays. Provided to China Daily by courtesy of the MILL6 Foundation.

(HK Edition 07/11/2016 page8)