Tianjin University Revitalizes Historic Industrial Park to Boost Spring Tourism

As spring breathes new life into cities, the urban renewal project of the Tianjin First Machine Tool Factory, designed by Tianjin University Research Institute of Architectural Design and Urban Planning Co., Ltd., has emerged as a vibrant cultural tourism destination.

Nestled in an industrial park that blends historical charm with contemporary lifestyle, the revitalized area has attracted widespread media attention, including features in People’s Daily and Xinhua News Agency, quickly becoming one of Tianjin’s most visited springtime hotspots.

Founded in 1951, the Tianjin First Machine Tool Factory was once a pioneering force in China’s gear machine tool industry. The transformation project, launched in 2022, carefully preserves the factory’s iconic red-brick buildings and soaring workshop ceilings while introducing new public spaces along the scenic Moon River. The site’s renewed identity honors its industrial legacy while embracing modern urban aesthetics.

At the heart of the park is the Factory History Museum, which chronicles Tianjin’s industrial evolution through photographs, historical documents, and original machinery. The reception lounge infuses the atmosphere with artisanal coffee culture and mechanical design elements, creating a space where heritage meets innovation.

In March, the park expanded its cultural offerings by unveiling several new facilities, including a waterside plaza, a basketball court, and Moon Bay Park. On March 29, the venue hosted Tianjin’s first “Slow Living Festival,” drawing thousands of visitors to a celebration of leisure and culture. The festival featured live music, a creative brand market, gourmet food stalls, and interactive pet zones, all set against the backdrop of the park’s industrial relics. The industrial heritage exhibition further enriched the experience, establishing the site as a top destination for spring outings.

The Tianjin University design team continues to lead the development of the park’s western zone, including residential and mixed-use industrial spaces. Since its soft opening in 2024, the park has not only garnered national media attention but has also been recognized as a landmark project in Tianjin’s broader urbanrevitalization strategy.

By: Qin Mian