刃具厂

“Did they really build a Moscow in Chengdu?” a young boy whispered to his mother, staring up at the imposing red brick structure of the 刀具厂 (Daoju Chang), or Chengdu Cutting Tool Factory. His mother smiled, remembering similar whispers from her own childhood. “Not quite Moscow,” she chuckled, “but it certainly felt like another world.” Chengdu Cutting Tool Factory was indeed a world of its own. Established in 1958 as part of China’s “First Five-Year Plan”, it wasn’t just a factory; it was a landmark, a symbol of industrial progress, and a microcosm of society. Its distinctive Soviet-style architecture, with the towering red brick administration building and pointed tower, stood out dramatically against the low-rise cityscape of the time. People would travel from far and wide just to marvel at this “Moscow in Chengdu.” The factory’s history is intertwined with the 156 projects aided by the Soviet Union. Interestingly, Chengdu Cutting Tool Factory shares a “sibling relationship” with the Harbin Measuring & Cutting Tool Factory, as it was built based on the blueprints of the Harbin factory, both aided by the Soviet Union. The first generation of factory workers vividly recalled the early days. Technical experts and workers from Harbin Measuring & Cutting Tool Factory and other parts of the country arrived in Chengdu, bringing their expertise and dedication. They worked tirelessly, day and night, to lay the foundation and construct the factory buildings. Many chose to remain in Chengdu, contributing their lives to the city’s development. The factory’s influence extended beyond its walls. It offered a vibrant social scene, organizing open-air movie nights and lively evening parties. These gatherings fostered a sense of community among workers and their families, creating a warm and supportive environment despite the challenging living conditions. For children growing up in the factory’s shadow, the weekly ritual of fetching soda water from the factory shop was a cherished memory. The satisfying “clunk” of the crate in the back seat of their parents’ bicycles became the soundtrack of their childhoods. While the factory has long since relocated, its legacy lives on. The name Daoju Chang is forever etched in Chengdu’s history, a testament to the hard work and dedication of generations of workers who helped shape the city’s industrial landscape. The factory’s story is a reminder of a bygone era, a time of shared struggles, close-knit communities, and the simple joys of soda water and open-air movies.