China Fuzhou Arsenal(Chuanzheng) is the largest shipbuilding military enterprise founded by China during the Self-Strengthening Movement, by introducing advanced equipment and technology from the West, which was established in the fifth year of Tongzhi Reign, Qing Dynasty(1866).
Fuzhou Arsenal has built dozens of modern ships and formed the Arsenal Fleet, which played an important role in strengthening the nation's maritime defenses and the military defense against the Japanese invasion of Taiwan. The Fuzhou Naval College has trained many famous modern Chinese thinkers, diplomats, engineers and admirals.
The project includes National Cultural Heritage Site - Fujian Chuanzheng Building Group (including Marine Engine Factory, School and Drawing Office/école et bureau de dessin, Guanting Pool, Bell Tower) and ten historic buildings.
Under the principle of prioritizing the protection of historic buildings, based on the assessment of building values, at the macro level, the project manages and regulates the Shipyards in a regionalized, tiered and categorized system, as to develop “reservation, demolition and renovation” measures respectively; At the micro level, focusing on the characteristics of each heritage site, take the “one building one policy” measure, the project customize restoration and renovation plans for each building, while paying attention to the protection of historic settings‘ elements, preserves historical items of the shipyard such as production machinery, vehicles, buildings’ cornerstone, defensive artillery, Chuanzheng Yamen’s stone lions, etc., maintains the originality and integrity of the shipyard to the greatest extent possible.
Fuzhou Arsenal took the first step in opening China’s door to the outside world, as well as a bridge for the mutual cultural exchange of the East and the West. After the completion of the project, it promotes Chuanzheng culture globally, advocate for the spirit of patriotism, and becomes a cultural display and experience campus in the new era for the public to relax and experience.