The predecessor of Shanghai Stainless was originally the Wusong Workshop of Nippon Asia Steel Works, built in November 1938. After liberation, it was renamed “Shanghai No. 1 Iron and Steel Plant.” In November 1998, following the merger of Baosteel, Shangsteel, and Meisteel, it successively became No. 1 Steel Company, the Stainless Steel Branch, the Stainless Steel Business Division, and Baosteel Stainless Steel Co., Ltd.
The site of the blast furnace area at Shanghai Stainless was originally the location of Shanghai No. 1 Iron and Steel Plant, which began as the Wusong Workshop of Nippon Asia Steel Works, founded in November 1938. After liberation, it was renamed “Shanghai No. 1 Iron and Steel Plant.”
At 1:30 a.m. on September 28, 1958, Chairman Mao Zedong inspected Shangsteel No. 1 Plant, encouraging everyone by saying, “Work hard; there is great promise!”
On October 8, 1999, the 2,500-cubic-meter blast furnace was ignited and put into operation, setting a new historical record in ironmaking construction history for reaching full capacity and standards within the same month, ending the era of imbalance between iron and steel production at Shangsteel No. 1 Plant.
On July 4, 2012, in accordance with the principles of “reduction, efficiency enhancement, adjustment, and development,” the Shanghai Municipal Government and Baosteel Group advanced the adjustment of the steel industry structure in the Baoshan area. Shanghai Stainless took on the new mission of “industrial restructuring and employee transformation and development.”
In June 2016, in line with the national strategic requirements for supply-side reform, Shanghai Stainless shut down its 2,500-cubic-meter blast furnace and related carbon steel production lines;
In June 2018, stainless steel production lines were fully shut down, embarking on a new venture of industry-city integration.
On July 4, 2018, the Shanghai Municipal Government and China Baowu signed an agreement to strengthen comprehensive cooperation and promote the overall transformation and upgrading of the Wusong area, marking the beginning of the transformation and upgrading of the stainless steel site.
On July 31, 2019, “Wusong International Art City” and “Wusongkou International Science and Innovation City” were officially inaugurated as part of China Baowu’s Baoshan-Wusong transformation zone.
The renovation project of the blast furnace area at Shanghai Stainless is the inaugural project for the transformation and development of the stainless steel site in the Baoshan-Wusong area. It was officially delivered for use in October 2020, serving as the venue for that year’s World Steel Conference and the annual themed gala “Glory of Steel, Forging a Century of Dreams.” The project area covers 59,000 square meters, with a renovated building area of 37,000 square meters.
Truth be told, visiting this place is quite difficult. First, it is generally not open to the public. Its opening schedule is rather sporadic—usually about one day per month, but the exact date is uncertain. An announcement is typically posted on their WeChat official account about a week in advance. If you wish to visit, you must make a reservation and purchase tickets via the Baoshan Hotel WeChat official account. Tickets are 50 yuan per person, and there is only one session available, so punctuality is mandatory—no late arrivals allowed.
The entire tour lasts about an hour; staff members provide commentary for the first half-hour, followed by some time set aside for photography.
The entire factory complex is vast and located in a very remote area, making self-driving practically the only option. You can drive into the facility simply by showing your reservation to security. Driving inside the complex is also recommended, as walking around would be exhausting. Parking spaces are plentiful. There were more visitors than expected, especially young people and numerous photography enthusiasts, though hardly any children were seen.
Currently, the primary function of this venue is hosting various events. With the blast furnace serving as a backdrop, the atmosphere feels quite futuristic and high-tech. However, if visiting solely for sightseeing, it may feel somewhat monotonous.
Here is the master plan for the entire factory complex:
There are many existing old pieces of equipment and buildings within the factory grounds that have not been processed or removed, making them excellent subjects for photography. However, entering restricted areas is not advised due to significant safety risks.
The Former Water Tower
Glory Plaza, covering an area of approximately 10,000 square meters. A large mirror pool is designed in the center of the plaza, although it is usually dry.
Reception Hall: A place for check-in and rest upon entry, where coffee is also available for purchase.
Event Area: This green space adjacent to the blast furnace features a banquet hall, VIP lounge, dressing rooms, and an outdoor terrace known as the Eye of the Blast Furnace upstairs.
View from the terrace:
Time Tunnel and Golden Blast Furnace Terrace
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