Former Site of Hengguang Machinery Factory

Former Site of Hengguang Machinery Factory

The former site of the Hengguang Machinery Factory is located in a valley stretching from Langpigou to Mantoushan Village in Ximafang Township, Ningwu County. The military code name for the Hengguang Machinery Factory was Factory 286. Established in 1967, the factory covered an area of 100,000 square meters. Today, some buildings such as dormitories still remain. The valley stretches approximately 10 Chinese li, featuring dense vegetation and high, concealed mountains. This factory was a defense-oriented munitions plant and one of the three major military factories in Ningwu at the time — namely Ningwu Great Wall Factory, Hengguang Factory, and Fenghuo Factory. Its primary role was the initial processing of steel artillery, after which the products were sent to the Great Wall Machinery Factory for final assembly. The Hengguang Machinery Factory was divided into ten zones: Zone 1 housed dormitories, a transformer substation, and a woodworking shop; Zone 2 was the hospital, locally referred to as "Gan Dalei"; Zone 3 included the office building, garage, vegetable cellar, and canteen; Zone 4 contained workshops and a material storage area; Zone 5 was the heat treatment workshop; Zone 6 included workshops and material storage; Zone 7 held the office building; Zone 8 featured workshops and currently retains three caves; Zone 9 was the overhaul workshop and cleaning plant; and Zone 10 was the dormitory area. The factory employed around 3,000 workers. The workers, technicians, and leaders — all part of the Third Front construction effort — came from Beijing, the Northeast, Hebei, and other regions. The factory was evacuated in 1979.

Source: Xinzhou Net

Ximafang Township: "A township under the jurisdiction of Ningwu County. Established as the Ximafang People's Commune in 1958 and became a township in 1984. Located in the southwestern part of the county, it is 60 kilometers from the county seat. Covering an area of 200 square kilometers, it has a population of 6,000. The township administers Ximafang, Danantian, Xian, Damao'an, Nangan'gou, Wangjiatan, Langpo'gou, Qiangang'gou, Gedongzi, Lijiagou, Donggou, Xigou, Yumuqiao, Ba'li, Huohuogou, Nanzheng'gou, Hanjiagou, Renjiashan, Yaojiagou, Xiaoyu, Wenjiayao, CheDao'gou, Xidao'gou, Yezheng'gou, Ximawa, Xiapo, Huangmao, Jijiaping, Gaoyadi, Yingfang'gou, Xicong'gou, Huiyao... More detailed information about Ximafang Township++