Heritage provides blueprint for future

Industrial relics have been preserved, including a gigantic chimney now displaying real-time air quality and a hot foil stamping machine that stands as a witness to the park's industrial history. The former workshop in the middle of the park has been renovated into the 77 Theatre, a venue frequently hosting performing arts shows.

"The park is one of the earliest cultural and creative parks in Beijing, and one of the first to center on a particular theme, which in our case is film, television and theater," says Li Ming, deputy general manager of Beijing Dongfang Daopu Cultural Asset Operation and Management, the park's managing company. "Our park's positioning is compatible with Dongcheng district's cultural environment and resources."

The Central Academy of Drama and Beijing People's Art Theatre located in proximity provide rich performing arts resources and theater practitioners. The park's Beijing Drama Rehearsal Centre, with 18 rehearsal rooms and a studio, serves as a creative hub for many university and professional theater troupes. According to Li, more than 200 original theater productions are created and rehearsed here annually.

"Throughout the process of constructing and renovating the cultural park, we have not only given new purpose to the old buildings, but have also allowed the park to play a more profound role in Beijing's cultural landscape," Li says.