On the afternoon of March 18, 2007, the north part of Beijing
Zhengdong Electronic Power Group Factory was brought back to life
after decades of silence. Beautiful models, stylish designers,
excited visitors, and colorful fashion collections were
everywhere.
It is an old factory, one of the important projects from China's
1st Five Year Plan, supported by former Eastern Germany. The
remaining original sections of the facility tell the history of
Beijing's industrial era, even though the development of the city
ended its role as a factory.
D-PARK represents hope for the future of Beijing's creative
industries. The building, "Factory 751,” is so different from its
former self, many who used to work and live there will be surprised
to see the transformation.
As part of the "Fashion in Beijing" program instituted by the
Beijing government in early 2006, the Beijing Municipal Bureau of
Industrial Development and China Fashion Association cooperated to
plan and build a fashion hub. After visiting and negotiating with
over ten abandoned factories, they signed the agreement with the
Beijing Zhengdong Electric Power Group on May 12, 2006.
After 9 months of hard work, the China Fashion Association and
Beijing Zhengdong Electric Power Group revived the historical
structure. The building, renamed D-PARK, houses 5 famous designers,
30 young designers, several modeling agencies, and exhibition
companies. A fashion park combining design, exhibition, and product
development was also built.
In addition, D-PARK has established a public service platform
providing information, training, and meeting rooms in order to
create a better environment for fashion elites.
To visit D-PARK, take the airport expressway to the Dashanzi
exit. Drive east, through the 1000-meter long "798 Art District" at
No. 2 Jiuxianqiao Road, until you see two large red buildings
standing beside two high chimneys.
Ayou Studio, Zeng Fengfei Studio, Liuwei Studio, Wu Xuewei/Wu
Xuekai Studio, Galaxy Model Management Ltd., Training Center of
China Fashion Association, and Fashion China Magazine House can all
be found here.
(China.org.cn March 18, 2007)