Nanjing Chenguang 1865 Creative Industrial Park, Creative industrial complex in Qinhuai District, China
Nanjing Chenguang 1865 Creative Industrial Park is a complex of historic buildings and courtyards that houses workshops, studios, and offices. The site contains structures dating from the Qing Dynasty through more recent times, arranged across connected grounds with both restored and actively used heritage buildings.
The site was established in 1865 as a weapons manufacturing facility, making it one of the first modern factories of its kind in the city. Over more than 150 years it served industrial production before later being transformed into a creative center.
The site reflects a blend of working traditions from multiple generations, with artisans and creators now occupying spaces that once served industrial purposes. Walking through reveals how contemporary makers have adapted the old buildings for design studios, galleries, and workshops.
The park is centrally located in Qinhuai District and easy to reach on foot. Visitors should plan several hours to explore the various buildings and studios, and check ahead to see which galleries and workspaces are open during their visit.
The complex was designed by a British architect who brought European industrial architectural elements to the site. This East-West blend remains visible today in the building details and overall layout, making it distinct from other heritage sites in the region.
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