Early Buildings of the First Automobile Works in Changchun

Early Buildings of the First Automobile Works in Changchun

The early buildings of the First Automobile Works in Changchun are designated as a Major Historical and Cultural Site Protected at the National Level.

The First Automobile Works in Changchun was China's first large-scale automobile production base and is hailed as the cradle of China's automotive industry. Revolutionary leaders of the older generation, including Mao Zedong, visited the production facilities in Changchun. In 1956, the first car of New China rolled off the production line in Changchun, marking the end of China’s inability to independently manufacture automobiles. The first batch of Liberation brand vehicles also participated in the 1956 National Day military parade. The construction of the First Automobile Works in Changchun and the rollout of its first cars were landmark historical events in New China’s efforts to become an industrialized nation, collectively reflecting the country’s significant economic achievements. As such, the plant is affectionately referred to as the “Eldest Son of the Republic.” From 1956 to 1987, the First Automobile Works in Changchun produced over 1.28 million Liberation brand vehicles, accounting for about half of the country’s total heavy-duty truck fleet, making a tremendous contribution to the national economy.

The protected area of the First Automobile Works Historical and Cultural District extends from the north side of the FAW Hotel land on the north side of Chuangye Avenue in the north, to the Changchun–Shenyang Railway in the south, from Road 9 of the FAW plant area in the west, to Kuiping Avenue in the east, covering a total land area of approximately 176.2 hectares. The core protected area spans about 140.3 hectares, while the construction control zone covers around 35.9 hectares. The district retains well-preserved street layouts and overall architectural character, featuring 11 historic streets including Dongfeng Avenue and Kunlun 1st Road. The district includes buildings such as the nationally protected early structures of the First Automobile Works in Changchun, comprising more than 140 factory and residential buildings, making it a vast complex.

The formation of the district began in the 1950s. In 1951, the site of the First Automobile Works was established in the suburbs of Changchun, Jilin Province. Construction commenced in 1953, and by 1956, the plant and residential areas were largely completed and put into operation. The district adopted the axial layout style of the Soviet Union at that time, with factory workshops symmetrically arranged according to the production process, creating a grand scale. The residential area was designed with neighborhood-style blocks along main roads, forming streets and courtyards. The architecture within the district is distinctive, with most factory buildings featuring rectangular floor plans and exposed red brick walls. The workshops have frame structures and light steel roof trusses, with simple facades, high windows, and prominent Chinese architectural styles complemented by Russian architectural elements and motifs. Residential buildings are mainly three-story brick-concrete structures with exposed red brick walls, wooden roof trusses, sloped roofs, upturned eaves, bracket sets, tiled roofing, and a harmonious contrast of red bricks, green eaves, and gray tiles. Windows are generally small, and rooms such as kitchens and bathrooms often feature octagonal windows. Balconies, doorways, and other details share unified decorative forms and components, with window surrounds also adorned with meander patterns. The entire residential area maintains a cohesive style, with high construction quality and distinct ethnic characteristics.

The unique value and character of the district lie in the fact that the First Automobile Works has been well preserved and remains in use today. The area is one of the largest industrial zones and accompanying residential districts in New China, as well as one of the largest historical and cultural districts of its kind. Its planning approach holds a special place in the history of modern urban planning in China. The First Automobile Works is an important historical testament to the development of China’s automotive industry; it is a concentration of industrial heritage with strong continuity in functional environments. Its establishment was a landmark event in New China’s pursuit of industrialization; it embodies the major economic achievements and the spirit of the socialist era in New China. It is also a model of residential space design for “work-unit compounds” with distinct Chinese characteristics, where collective memories and rich spatial elements continue to this day.

In May 2013, the State Council (State Council Document [2013] No. 13) announced the early buildings of the First Automobile Works in Changchun as a Major Historical and Cultural Site Protected at the National Level.

Further Reading:

· Seventh Batch of Major Historical and Cultural Sites Protected at the National Level