Recently, the “Second Batch of China’s 20th Century Architectural Heritage” co-organized by China Cultural Relics Academy, Architectural Society of China, Chizhou Municipal People’s Government and China Construction Technology Consulting Co., Ltd. was released in Chizhou City, Anhui Province. In front of the witness of hundreds of distinguished guests and experts including Shan Jixiang, President of China Cultural Relics Academy, a total of 100 items of the “Second Batch of China’s 20th Century Architectural Heritage” were announced, among which is Shijingshan Iron & Steel Plant (Old Shougang Plant).

The “Second Batch of China’s 20th Century Architectural Heritage Projects” covers 25 provinces (municipalities and autonomous regions) in China. The projects highlight the outstanding traditional Chinese architectural styles and forms, with the covered areas ranging from cultural and educational heritage, industrial heritage, residential heritage to architectural complex heritage. As one of the 16 industrial sites being listed, Shijingshan Iron & Steel Plant (Old Shougang Plant), with its unique industrial development history, has witnessed the difficult start of China’s national steel industry in the modern times and its rapid development since the founding of the People’s Republic of China. It serves as the epitome of China’s one hundred years’ industrialization in modern times, capturing the world attention.

It is known that on September 29, 2016, China Cultural Relics Academy and Architectural Society of China announced 98 items of the “First Batch of China’s 20th Century Architectural Heritage Lists”. Recently, they have announced the “Second Batch of China’s Architectural Heritage Lists” covering two batches of 198 buildings which contain high protection values and stand as a witness of the crucial periods of Chinese history. As a reflection of the constant innovation and development of Chinese architectural culture, the lists have by far drawn considerable attention from the fields of architecture, cultural relics and design and wider society while playing a positive role in protecting architectural heritage, popularizing traditional aesthetic cultures as well as disseminating architectural design knowledge.