This year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. On this land that witnessed both the flames of war and the rise of industrial prowess, the China · Hengyang Old Industrial Base Exhibition Hall, located in the "Xiangjian · Jianxiang" Industrial Culture Block, has become a highly sought-after red tourism destination, attracting visitors from across the country to revisit history and pay tribute to their forebears.

As the first exhibition hall in China dedicated to the story of an old industrial base city, it has adopted the core theme of "Made in Hengyang, Heart for a Strong Nation," seamlessly blending industrial development with revolutionary history. The hall features three main sections – "Glimpses of Industry," "Foundation of a Strong Nation," and "Yanxiang in the Sky" – along with a special exhibition area dubbed "Cradle of Diesel Engines." These sections not only systematically trace the history of global industrialization and China’s old industrial bases but also use detailed historical records, precious artifacts, and immersive installations to recreate Hengyang’s industrial struggles during the War of Resistance and post-war reconstruction, vividly embedding red genes within industrial memories.

Inside the exhibition hall, yellowed production reports, rusted machine parts, and weapon components produced by the Hengyang Arsenal to support the front lines during the war silently testify to the unwavering belief of Hengyang’s industrial workers – "the factory as home, production for the nation." Despite enemy blockades and bombardments, workers risked their lives to sustain production, supplying the war effort with vast quantities of weapons, equipment, and materials, building an "iron and steel line of defense" with industrial might.

The "Jianxiang Production Line" stands as a powerful symbol of this red industrial spirit. As Hunan’s oldest and most completely preserved diesel engine production line, it supplied engines to over 30 tractor factories across the country in the 1980s, with its products also exported to numerous nations and earning the title of "High-Quality Product" from the Ministry of Mechanical Industry. Today, it is a treasured centerpiece of the exhibition hall.

Through a 360° 3D LED giant screen, visitors can immerse themselves in Hengyang’s transformation from a critical industrial hub during the war to a modern industrial city in the new era. Meanwhile, the "Hand of Legacy" sculpture silently conveys the intergenerational transmission of red spirit from one generation to the next. A visitor from Changsha, Ms. Li, shared, "Bringing my child here was not just about witnessing the glory of old industry but also understanding the sacrifices and contributions of Hengyang’s industrial workers during the war. This kind of red education is far more vivid and impactful than textbooks."

In commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the victory, the "Xiangjian · Jianxiang" block has also revived its "Open-Air Cinema," offering free film screenings every Saturday and Sunday at 7:30 PM for several months. This initiative aims to allow residents and visitors alike to relive the poignant years of struggle through the magic of cinema and reflect on the spirit of revolution.

As a key industrial base during the War of Resistance and recognized as a "China War of Resistance Memorial City," Hengyang’s industrial history remains deeply intertwined with the nation’s destiny. On this 80th anniversary, a visit to the China · Hengyang Old Industrial Base Exhibition Hall offers a chance to reconnect with red history through industrial heritage, to grasp the original aspiration of building a strong nation through the stories of "Made in Hengyang," and to ensure that red genes continue to inspire new generations on the journey ahead.