GUIDE OF VISIT
The Pinghe Packing Plant (Liddell Bros. Press Packing Works), established in 1905 by British merchants Liddell Brothers in Hankou, Wuhan, was one of the earliest and most influential cotton-packing factories in the region. As part of the British trading firm Liddell Bros. & Co., Ltd. (平和洋行), it pioneered mechanical cotton compression and became a cornerstone of Wuhan’s early industrial development . The complex, renowned for its reinforced concrete structure and red-brick facade, expanded over time into six interconnected buildings spanning 32,808 square meters, making it the largest and best-preserved early industrial complex in Wuhan . After decades of historical shifts, including wartime occupation and post-1949 state management, it was revitalized in 2017 as a cultural and creative hub, earning UNESCO recognition in 2019.
Liddell Bros. Press Packing Works
1. Historical Background and Operations
The Liddell Brothers, who founded the Shanghai-based Pinghe Yanghang in the late 19th century, expanded to Hankou in 1880 and established the Pinghe Packing Plant in 1905 at Qingdao Road . Capitalizing on Hankou’s booming cotton trade, the plant utilized advanced hydraulic presses (660 horsepower) to compress cotton, ramie, animal hides, and other goods for export to Europe . It monopolized the local market initially, later inspiring competitors like the Anglo-Chinese Hankou Packing Company .
2. Architectural Significance
Designed by Shanghai’s Xiesheng Construction Company, the plant featured a four-story reinforced concrete frame, cast-in-place floors, and 50cm-thick brick walls—innovative for its time . Its red-brick facade, granite foundations, and arched windows reflected industrial neoclassicism, while interior elements like steel beams, cargo slides, and fire-sprinkler systems underscored its functional design . Expansions between 1905 and the 1930s added five more buildings, creating a sprawling complex with over 100 rooms .
3. Historical Turbulence and Transformation
During the Pacific War (1941–1945), the Japanese military occupied the plant, halting operations until its postwar revival in 1946 . Post-1949, it underwent state-led reforms and was repurposed as a warehouse in 1960 . Despite functional changes, its architectural integrity earned it recognition as a municipal heritage site (1993) and a protected industrial relic (2011) .
4. Conservation and Modern Revival
From 2017 to 2019, a meticulous restoration preserved original features like steam valves and graffiti while adapting spaces for creative industries . This project, lauded by UNESCO for its “minimal intervention” approach, won an Honourable Mention in the 2019 Asia-Pacific Heritage Awards . Today, the plant houses design studios, tech startups, and cultural exhibitions, blending historical ambiance with modern innovation .
5. Legacy
As a symbol of Wuhan’s industrial past, the Pinghe Packing Plant exemplifies adaptive reuse of heritage sites. Its fusion of historical preservation and contemporary functionality underscores the city’s commitment to honoring its commercial and architectural legacy.
