The Symphony of Red Bricks: Eastern Suburb Memory and the Pulse of Chengdu's Industrial Cool

The "Chengdu 798" of the Southwest

1.Located at: No. 4 Jianshe South Branch Road in the Chenghua District of Chengdu, Eastern Suburb Memory (Dongjiao Jiyi), originally known as the East Music Park, is a vibrant fusion of industrial heritage and modern creativity. Often referred to as the "Chengdu 798" (likening it to Beijing's famous art district) or the "Industrial Utopia," this park sits on the former site of the Chengdu State-run Hongguang Electronic Tube Factory. Established in the 1950s during China's First Five-Year Plan, the factory was once the cradle of China's electronic industry, producing black-and-white TV picture tubes. Today, the hum of machinery has been replaced by the melodies of indie music and the chatter of creative youth, transforming the area into the largest industrial heritage music and art park in Southwest China. It stands as a testament to Chengdu's transition from a heavy industrial base to a capital of cultural creativity, preserving the city's "East Suburban Industrial Memory" while injecting a fresh, trendy pulse into its veins.

A Labyrinth of Red Bricks and Industrial Aesthetics

The park's architecture is a striking blend of Soviet-style industrial grandiosity and contemporary artistic flair. Spanning a core area of about 100 acres, it retains the original red brick factory buildings, towering chimneys, and intricate networks of industrial pipes, which are now intertwined with lush vines and modern street art. The juxtaposition of rusty steel and vibrant graffiti walls creates a visual feast for photographers and fashion enthusiasts. Walking through the park feels like traversing a time tunnel where the 1950s meet the 21st century. The old factory slogans and "Red Light" brand marks are preserved, telling the story of the workers who once labored here in three shifts, while modern art installations and neon lights illuminate the structures at night, turning the park into a retro-futuristic dreamscape.

The Soul of Music and Art

True to its original name, "East Music Park," music remains the beating heart of this destination. It is home to the Music Museum, a first of its kind in China, which houses a vast collection of old vinyl records, gramophones, and musical instruments, chronicling the evolution from analog to digital music. The park is dotted with live houses, theaters, and an open-air Main Stage, where independent bands and folk singers frequently perform. It serves as an incubator for local talent and a gathering spot for music festivals, attracting throngs of fans who come to sway to the rhythm of rock and folk. The atmosphere is free and spirited, with street performers and impromptu jam sessions adding to the lively vibe that permeates every corner, from the factory floors to the open plazas.

A Hub of Creative Lifestyle

Beyond music and architecture, Eastern Suburb Memory is a thriving hub of the "Slow Life" Chengdu is famous for, but with a trendy twist. The park features a bustling Creative Market where local artisans sell handmade crafts, vintage items, and unique souvenirs. Former workshops have been converted into stylish coffee shops, bookstores, and exhibition spaces. Here, visitors can sip coffee in a renovated warehouse, watch a fashion show on an old factory runway, or simply relax on the "Locomotive Square" (often featuring train relics). It is a place where history is not just displayed but lived—where the industrial past provides a rugged backdrop for the sophisticated and leisurely lifestyle of modern Chengdu. Whether you are a history buff, an art lover, or simply looking for the perfect Instagram shot, Eastern Suburb Memory offers a multi-layered experience of nostalgia and innovation.