1903 lifestyle block in Nantong. [Photo/Nantong Daily]

Now, when you walk into the former site of the Nantong Taofen Printing Factory at 97 Nanda Street in Nantong, the sound of machines has been replaced by the glow of neon signs, Japanese restaurants welcoming guests, and young people toasting and chatting in bars.

A year ago, this was an idle, old factory area; today, 13 businesses have moved in, and 70 percent of the spaces are occupied. From 1903 to 2026, from the fragrance of ink and books to the flicker of neon lights, this old factory in Nantong, which has witnessed a century of modern industrial history, is undergoing revitalization.

In April 2025, Nantong Taofen Printing partnered with Nantong Ruifeng Enterprise Management, a professional operations management team. Ruifeng oversaw the factory area's overall investment and operational planning, creating the 1903 lifestyle block.

"The name '1903' commemorates the Hanmolin Printing Bureau, founded by Zhang Jian (1853-1926), a renowned industrial magnate in Nantong," explained project operations manager Chen Guo.

The original factory buildings were updated through a combination of preservation, modification, and demolition. The core factory structure was retained, illegal auxiliary buildings were removed, and waterfront green spaces were restored. The riverside walkway along the Haohe River connects to the Nantong Museum, forming a historical and cultural corridor.

The lifestyle block will initially attract young people with trendy businesses to build popularity. Once economic benefits stabilize, cultural and creative elements will gradually be added to public spaces.

According to the plan, the future vision for this block includes: The Printing Museum and Red Lecture Hall will narrate a century of cultural heritage; riverside pubs and art galleries will line the waterfront; young people will enjoy wine and discuss art under industrial-style steel frames; the central plaza will regularly host activities featuring intangible cultural heritage and art exhibitions.