Peninsula 1919 Industrial Park

Peninsula 1919 Industrial Park

Peninsula 1919 Industrial Park is a national AAA-level tourist attraction.

The Peninsula 1919 scenic area was formerly the Wusong Greater China Cotton Mill. To this day, it retains factory buildings and structures from various periods since its establishment in 1919. Many couples and artistic youth come here to take romantic, fashion-forward wedding photos amid the blend of historical charm, industrial heritage, and modern lifestyle—or to create photo albums that capture their youthful years, adding depth and a touch of history to their most beautiful moments. Thanks to the scenic area’s unique architectural style and pleasant environment, it has attracted numerous renowned Chinese and international artists and designers seeking inspiration, who have set up studios, exhibition spaces, and host various cultural and art events. It is especially popular among fashion enthusiasts and young travelers.

The Greater China Cotton Mill was first planned in 1919 and has a history of nearly a hundred years. Its founder was Nie Yuntai, the grandson of Zeng Guofan. His mother was Zeng Jifen, Zeng Guofan’s youngest daughter. In 1883, the young Nie Yuntai lived in Shanghai with his father. In 1893, during the 19th year of the Guangxu reign in the Qing Dynasty, he returned to Hunan to take the imperial civil service examination for children and passed as a Xiucai (a scholar). He then studied new subjects such as English, electricity, and chemical engineering with foreigners, and later went to the United States for further studies.

After the outbreak of the May Fourth Movement in 1919, both the political and economic environments for China's national cotton textile industry improved. In June 1919, Nie Yuntai initiated a public share offering, purchased 150 acres of land on Yunzaobang Road in Wusong, and established the Greater China Cotton Mill, serving as its chairman and general manager. The mill officially commenced operations in April 1922. It was during the golden age of China’s cotton textile industry. Full of confidence, Nie Yuntai quickly increased the mill’s total capital from 900,000 taels to 2 million taels, and the number of spinning spindles expanded from 20,000 to 45,000. In terms of both scale and equipment, the Greater China Cotton Mill was top-tier at the time, making it the largest Chinese-owned cotton mill and earning it the title of “model mill” within the industry.

The mill withstood the trials of a tumultuous history, including the ravages of war, and bore witness to the historical development of the times. To this day, it still preserves a variety of buildings constructed in different historical periods, some of which are listed as protected historical structures.

Scenic Area Address: No. 258, Songxing West Road, Baoshan District, Shanghai

Transportation: Take bus routes 90, 116, 116B, 508, 719, or 728 in Shanghai and get off at Changzheng Xincun Station.

Driving Route: Take the Yixian Road Elevated Highway over Wusong Bridge → exit onto Songbin Road and turn right → turn right onto Songxing Road → go straight along Songxing West Road to reach the destination.