Former Site of the Central Printing House

Former Site of the Central Printing House

The Former Site of the Central Printing House is a cultural tourism attraction.

The Former Site of the Central Printing House was established in Yeping in November 1931. The factory director was Chen Xiangsheng, the deputy director was Yang Qixin, the Communist Youth League secretary was Yang Shangkui, and the trade union chairman was Zeng Qingxi. At that time, the factory had over 100 staff members.

The Central Printing House was divided into various departments, including the Materials Department, General Affairs Office, Letterpress Printing Department, Lithography Department, Typesetting Department, Engraving Department, Paper Cutting Department, Bookbinding Department, and Type Casting Department. At the time, the machinery and equipment were rudimentary. The Letterpress Printing Department had five machines in total, four of which were old. These primarily printed newspapers and periodicals such as Red China, Struggle, and Soviet Workers, as well as some revolutionary books and anti-Japanese leaflets. The Lithography Department mainly printed currency, grain coupons, stamps, and important official notices.

In order to achieve first-class work, the Central Printing House frequently organized various labor competitions under difficult conditions and with limited equipment. After evaluations by everyone, model workers were selected. However, instead of cash bonuses, these workers were awarded hats or clothing and other daily necessities, embroidered with the words “Model Worker” as encouragement. The workers at the Central Printing House showed great enthusiasm for labor. On May 7, 1933, Red China published an article titled “The Enthusiasm of the Workers at the Central Printing House,” praising how “the workers at the Central Printing House are generally very active in participating in the revolutionary war and increasing production,” and that they “arrive early every day and try every means to increase production and save resources.”

This former site is a civilian house belonging to the Xie family. In 2000, the State Press and Publication Administration allocated funds for its renovation and restored it to its original layout. It is now a national revolutionary tradition education base for the press and publication system.

Further Reading:

· Sixth Batch of Jiangxi Provincial Cultural Relics Protection Units