Shipyard retains its historical glory

When restoration began, only its steel structure remained. Rather than removing it from its original surroundings, restorers encased the structure in a transparent glass shell.

"The heritage is the exhibit, while the glass enclosure is its display case," says Wang Fang, head of the cultural protection department of the Fujian shipbuilding culture management committee.

The restoration follows four principles: keeping the heritage's original site, condition, objects, and character, Wang adds.

This approach has also shaped other surrounding buildings. The former general warehouse has become the Museum of Foochow Arsenal 1866, while the old repair workshop is the theater hosting The Glory Belongs To Foochow Arsenal.

Rather than gathering the industrial heritage in one new building, the development leads visitors through the original workshops and related spaces where ships were once built, repaired, and designed.