Here, along the banks of Suzhou Creek, stands the Former Sie of the First Foh Sing Flour Mill. This red-brick building tells a story of industry and ambition. It speaks of Shanghai’s rise as a commercial powerhouse.
In the early 20th century, foreign merchants flocked to China. They built factories and exploited China’s resources. They turned wheat into flour and reaped huge profits. This spurred Chinese entrepreneurs to action.
The Rong brothers, Rong Zongjing and Rong Desheng, were such entrepreneurs. Inspired by the call to “develop industry to save the nation” they established a small flour mill in Wuxi in 1902. After years of accumulating capital and studying the flour market they decided to expand. In 1912, they opened the Foh Sing Flour Mill in Shanghai.
The location was strategic. It sat beside Suzhou Creek for easy transportation. Guangfu Road was already a hub for similar industries. Rice shops were everywhere. The Rong brothers could not have chosen a better spot for the Foh Sing Flour Mill.
To stand out the Rongs designed a striking logo. It was an ironclad battleship sailing against the wind. They named their flour “Warship” and focused on quality. “Warship” flour quickly became known for being superior.
World War I created unprecedented demand for flour. Western countries cut investment and focused on war production. This increased the need for Chinese flour exports. The “Warship” brand became a standard. The Rong brothers seized the opportunity. They expanded their operations. They either rented or bought other flour mills. By 1921, the Foh Sing Flour Mill had grown to eight factories. Most were located in Shanghai along Suzhou Creek. The Rong brothers became known as the “Flour Kings.”
The Rong family did not just stop at flour. Their textile factories flourished. They created a legacy of national industry. Gao Debu a professor at Renmin University of China said “The Rong family has made great contributions to China’s economic development.”
The Former Sie of the First Foh Sing Flour Mill stands as a reminder. It embodies the spirit of those who strived to build China’s industry. This building is now a retail center. The busy assembly lines are gone. The buzzing machines are silent. The chimneys no longer emit smoke. Yet, the lessons of the Rong brothers are still taught. Their story inspires business classes today. The Former Sie of the First Foh Sing Flour Mill remains a monument to their achievements.