The first crook of Suzhou River

Ever concentration place and birthplace of national industry,

location of m50

a witness to industrial civilization of Shanghai,

and changes of the city.

Time changes, the old factory buildings

carry memories of this city.

......

Written by Xiaokan

Photograph provided by Shanghai Innovative Industry Center

Upon entering into 50 Moganshan Road, the atmosphere suddenly becomes mysterious and serene. Compared to the surroundings it seems more likely to be "relics". A public signal board, on which the names of galleries and studios are carved, is set up on left side of the entrance. The most prominent name is "Shanghai Chunming Slub Factory, 50 Moganshan Road", an innovative industrial park named as "m50" by fashion media. The birth of m50 reflects the characteristic of urban development, and at the same time, it also witnesses changes of our city from a unique perspective.

Birthplace of the national industry

50 Moganshan Road, where Suzhou River makes a big turn and naturally takes a triangular shape. Here is a collection of various styles of factory buildings constructed from 30s to 90s of the 20th century. And it is the most completely protected site of national textile industry along the bank of Suzhou River.

It was heyday for development of Chinese national industry from the end of 19th century to the beginning of 30s of 20th century. Both sides of Moganshan Road had been gradually developed to the largest and most intensive factory area of national industry. Such area had ever been a concentration for enterprises of national capitalists including Rong's family in old Shanghai. The existing factory buildings on 50 Moganshan Road were built in 1933 and belonged to Zhou's family, a representative of Hui businessman group in the modern society. Here was location of Xinhe Cotton Mill, Xinfu Dying Factory and Xinyi Machinery Factory, which were engaged in manufacturing of textile machine, cotton and manufacturing of cotton yarn and cloth, and dying of cloth respectively. These three factories were operated independently and were pioneers in cooperative production among modern enterprises in Shanghai. By enjoying the natural advantage of water way on Suzhou River, the entrepreneurs of that time had made fully use of their talents and intelligence and developed their enterprises stronger and stronger. This not only made significant contribution to the development of national industry of China, and laid a solid foundation for future development of textile industry. The Moganshan Road Industrial Park is an important chain of Shanghai modern cultural relic corridor along Suzhou River; furthermore, it is representative and symbolic of rise and decline of national industry in Shanghai, even in China.

Ever shiny pillar industry

The sign of Xinhe Textile Factory was laid at 50 Moganshan Road after the founding of new China. Along with the city's development, Xinhe Textile Factory was changed to Shanghai No.12 Wool Spinning Factory in 1962 and changed to Shanghai Chunming Wool Spinning Factory in 1994. This piece of land has been an important manufacturing base of Shanghai textile industry for the whole period. Since 50s to the eve of Reform and Open, textile industry, a kind of labor intensive industry, is always listed as pillar industry and key industry of Shanghai. In that period of time, textile industry of Shanghai has forged various glories for Chinese modern industry and made substantial contribution to the economic development in China. Meanwhile, the textile industry also has provided channel for employment of urban population and laid foundation for harmonious and sustainable development and today's great achievements of Shanghai.

Birth of m50

Human being is going forward and the city is developing. The industrial structure of the city starts transformation along with deepening of the Reform and Open, and it is obvious that the labor intensive textile industry doesn't fit the development of Shanghai any more. Under the governmental support, Shanghai Chunming Wool Spinning Factory started its new progress in reconstruction and leasing of old factory building and establishment of innovative industrial park in 1999, leading to m50' birth. The land area of m50 is 34.45 Chinese acres and its built-up area is 41,000 m2. It incorporates more than 80 innovative design companies and studios from 15 countries and regions. Everybody entering into m50 can feel reminiscent mood impressed with historic impression of industrial times and receive some energy and spirit passed by information elements. It is more valuable that the excellent architecture and design of these buildings is collection of various details of Chinese and Western styles for more than 100 years. In the point of view of artist, here is a purified place in the hustle and bustle world. The spaciousness of warehouse and factory building happens to have the same view as the flexible and unpredictable concept in oriental culture. The appearance of 50 Moganshan Road has been changed completely in only 2 years and become one of the largest innovative industrial centers with most influences in Shanghai.

"We have been sure-footedly looking for the road that is most suitable or development of enterprise. Artists need such a peaceful environment and the creation of art can go upwards and close to top level on the world." From an old factory building that recorded a period of history, to an innovative industrial park that is given more and more attentions, her experience includes too much pride and persistence, and it is so said by Mr. Jin Rudong, the person in charge of m50 Innovative Industrial Park.

Through the city's development for nearly 100 years, 50 Moganshan Road has undertaken different missions and played different roles in different period of time. Today, when the entire world emphasizes the urban development to the utmost, it shows unique dazzling charm. The innovative industry gives 50 Moganshan Road a rebirth and m50 has become a highlight in the current city. It seems as if we were back to the old days when we entered m50 again.