Recalling the Old Craftsmen and Inheriting the New Spirit

On the afternoon of July 28, 2019, a social practice group of the College of Mechanical and Vehicle Engineering —Juxin Dream Building Summer carried out a visit to learn the spirit and culture of the older mechanics at the old machinery factory in the eastern suburb of Chengdu.

The old machinery factory, located in the eastern suburb of Chenghua District (used to be Chengdu Hongguang Valve Factory) was founded in the 1950s, whose facilities were an old reformed plant. Every photo and precious relic exhibited in the “Course of Mechanics” pavilion showed people's struggling history here, which was a cultural exhibition zone to memorize and carry forward the spirit of craftsmen. The lead teacher Wang Xiaojun first introduced the history of a representative factory in the industrial park—Chengfa Group, also known as 420 Factory. It was built by 4000 workers from 111 Factory, were used to be one of the largest military enterprises in the southwest region with 20000-30000 workers (about 100000 people including their family members) at its perfect time. It mainly produced aircraft engines, and China's first monochrome tube production line was also built here. This place has also witnessed the older mechanics’ early years of struggle. Most of them come from Liaoning and Harbin, but they resolutely accepted the organization's arrangement and were transferred to Chengdu to build the dilapidated industry of China after the war. Their achievements and the remaining rudimentary infrastructure were the best witnesses of their hard dedication. Jiahao Chen, a member of the practice group, sighed: "When the watchtower of Xindu Machinery Factory sprung up, the elders were young and high-spirited. When the watchtower was abandoned, they were already white-haired.” Chaoxin Zhang, another member of this group said: "it is not empty talk for them to devote their whole life to China’s development. They have laid a solid foundation for the development of China's modern industry, which is also the reason why I chose machinery as my major." Deeply moved, shocked, and encouraged by the spirit of struggle and dedication displayed in the old machinery plant here, other members also said that they would inherit the craftsmanship spirit of the older mechanics in the eastern suburbs and contribute their passions to Industry 2025 and the building of a moderately prosperous society in an all-round way.

This trip has strengthened the students' enthusiasm for their major, which is a special and unforgettable experience in their study life, and will certainly provide valuable spiritual strength for their future study and career.

Juxin Dream Building Practice Group

July 28th, 2019