Maoxin Flour Mill

Maoxin Flour Mill

Maoxin Flour Mill is a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit.

Maoxin Flour Mill was founded in 1900 with funding from Rong Zongjing and Rong Desheng, pioneers of China's national industry and commerce. It was the earliest enterprise established by the Rong family. Originally named Baohing Flour Mill, it was later renamed Maoxin Flour Mill and then Maoxin No.1 Flour Mill. The mill’s “Bingchuan Brand” flour was nationally renowned at the time and was even exported to the UK, France, and other countries as well as regions in Southeast Asia. During the War of Resistance Against Japan, the factory building was bombed and the equipment was damaged. It was rebuilt in 1945, with Mr. Rong Yiren, son of Rong Desheng, serving as the factory director. By 1932, the Rong brothers owned 12 flour mills and 9 textile mills, making them one of the largest industrialists in China by capital at the time.

Maoxin Flour Mill is a microcosm of the birthplace of China’s national industry and commerce. Its significant influence and well-preserved condition are not only rare in Wuxi, but also across the province and the nation, fully qualifying it as a candidate for National Key Cultural Relics Protection status. In order to make better use of the historical site, the Wuxi Municipal Government and cultural heritage authorities established the Museum of National Industry and Commerce on the original premises.

In May 2013, the State Council (State Council Document [2013] No. 13) designated Maoxin Flour Mill as a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit.

Further reading:

· Fifth Batch of Jiangsu Provincial Cultural Relics Protection Units

· Seventh Batch of National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units