Peek into industrial Beijing with this mini-guide to 751 D Park.
In a city that’s constantly trying to modernise and adapt to the changing trends, 751 D-Park (Designer Park) is a sight for sore eyes. Head off into the old factory district, often left in the shadows of the more-known 798 Art District, where you’ll see giant storage tanks, factories and decades-old trains reminiscent of a Beijing before the one we know today. Contrasting its art-centred and at times visually loud neighbour, 751 D Park is where you want to head to get a glimpse of a different kind of art: industrial infrastructures wearing rust like badges of honour as they tower over the many fashion and creative offices that have revitalised it into its state today.
Here are at least four unmissable things you should look for when venturing into this lesser-known gem.
The sleek black locomotive standing next to motorbiker haven Ace Cafe isn’t just for show. The relic from another time is a steam locomotive made way back in the early 70s by the Tangshan Locomotive Factory that transported coal and heavy oil to the gas plant in 751. Originally known as SY (上游 or upstream) 0309, it has been renamed to SY 751 as a reminder of what the area once was: an important hub for transporting coal and heavy oil to the gas plant for gas production, and its continued 'upstream' development. Today, the train has also become part of many pre-wedding and modeling photo backdrops and yet another relic from an old time. Order some dishes at Ace Cafe to dine in one of its train cars, though last time we went we were told that it was closed for a meeting.
But these aren’t the only trains standing proud in this old train yard. Look beyond the black locomotive to see its siblings quietly parked on the old railways, which has now become a part of the parking lot of VW and Audi staffs.
For the perfect spot to let the kids run a bit or walk around, head for the Power Square (动力广场). Spanning an area of 1,600 square metres with one part paved with antiseptic wood, bask in the largeness of some of the remaining gas production equipment, including a cracking furnace, a cooler, six intercoolers, high chimneys and more. The area has been turned into an events space and has played host to exhibits, performances and other cultural activities. On days when events aren’t taking place, however, visitors can walk around, enjoy the fountains and take in a bit of history.
Spanning an area of 6,840 sqm, the square holds the original four cracking furnaces of the 751 factory area that was used for gas production. Even from the closed paths that lead further into the area, visitors still have a good view of what this production area looks like.
Walk along this air trail and see the former industrial park from a higher view. Running a total length of about 1,800m through 751 D Park, the bridge overlooks the park's popular landmarks and is a great place to take photos with a clear view of the factories and a gorgeous sky as your backdrop. On our recent trip there, we saw pre-nuptial photoshoots taking place there with the Furnace Square as their backdrop.
Here are some more to look for:
These desulfurisation towers have been transformed into toilets
Mirror mirror on the walls
A closer peek into the Furnace Square
The former storage tank is now a family-friendly destination
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