Discovering Shougang Group: From Steel Powerhouse to Winter Olympics Hub

Shougang Group’s history dates back to 1919, marking a pivotal era in China’s steel industry evolution. Over the past century, Shougang has achieved significant milestones, evolving into a conglomerate with over 500 wholly-owned, holding, and joint-stock companies, boasting assets exceeding 500 billion yuan. Its consistent presence in the Fortune 500 list underscores its enduring success. CNBAOSTEEL has maintained a robust partnership with Shougang for over a decade, and now, in collaboration with Capital Science Lecture Hall, we delve into the realm of Shougang Group.

Situated in Beijing’s Shijingshan District, Shougang Park stands as a testament to the city’s industrial heritage. However, in 2010, amidst environmental concerns and industrial modernization, Shougang relocated to Caofeidian Port in Tangshan City, Hebei Province, preserving its original site as an industrial heritage landmark. In 2022, this site underwent a remarkable transformation, emerging as a venue for global sporting events, including freestyle skiing and snowboarding competitions during the Beijing Winter Olympics.

Shougang’s journey began with the Shijingshan Ironmaking Plant in 1919, initially part of the Longyan Iron Mine Co. and later renamed Shijingshan Iron and Steel Plant. Despite facing numerous challenges, including producing a mere 286,000 tons of pig iron in the 30 years before 1948, Shougang experienced a transformative moment upon its liberation on December 17, 1948. Guided by the Party’s leadership, Shougang resumed operations, becoming China’s first steel company and playing a pivotal role in the country’s industrialization.

Shougang has been at the forefront of China’s reform and opening-up policies. Since the formulation of the “Beijing Urban Construction Master Plan” in 1982, Shougang has embraced technological advancements such as automation and energy efficiency, expanding its steelmaking capabilities. By 1994, its steel output soared to 8.24 million tons, leading the national charts that year.

However, rapid industrial growth brought environmental challenges, sparking debates about Shougang’s presence in Beijing. With Beijing’s successful bid for the 2008 Olympics and China’s accession to the WTO in 2001, Shougang embarked on a transformation journey. Approved by the State Council in 2005, Shougang’s relocation to Hebei marked a new phase, symbolized by the cessation of production at its main plant on December 19, 2010.

Post-relocation, Shougang faced the dilemma of preserving or demolishing its industrial relics. Extensive surveys and planning from 2009 to 2011 laid the groundwork for comprehensive transformation strategies. With the involvement of professionals like Zhou Ting, Shougang Park underwent a miraculous metamorphosis. Today, it boasts a rejuvenated landscape, featuring multifunctional venues like the former blast furnace turned into a show venue and the old power plant transformed into the Shangri-La Hotel.

The transformation preserved the essence of the industrial heritage while creating space for new functions. Unique attractions, like the repurposed cooling tower serving as a distinctive checkpoint, enhance the visitor experience. Wu Chen’s team further advanced the transformation with a vision emphasizing industrial heritage preservation, ecological construction, and urban renewal, evident in the cyberpunk-style blast furnace and futuristic attractions like the “Yuan Universe Paradise.”

Shougang Park has emerged as a beacon of urban revitalization, hosting a diverse array of events and serving as a showcase for Beijing’s transformation. Its strategic location and diverse offerings make it a focal point for social gatherings, product launches, and cultural displays.

Embracing the Olympic legacy, Shougang Park became the “Beijing Winter Olympic Park,” ensuring the sustainable utilization of Olympic facilities post-games. The park’s ongoing evolution aims to catalyze technological innovation, international exchanges, and cultural development, fostering a vibrant ecosystem of industrial relics and Olympic legacies.

Shougang Park’s integration of natural landscapes, industrial heritage, and commerce underscores its role as a model for industrial transformation. It symbolizes China’s commitment to preserving its industrial legacy while embracing modernity, serving as a testament to innovation and sustainability.