Shiyan in Hubei is renowned as the "Motor City," built and thriving around the automotive industry, serving as the cradle of China's national automobile industry. Exploring Shiyan offers a crucial lesson in understanding the arduous yet glorious journey of China's automotive sector from its humble beginnings to global prominence.
A thousand-strong study tour of Beijing middle school students will visit the DONGFENG GROUP (00489) Museum to experience the "Dongfeng Spirit," learn about the Third-Line Construction and New China's industrial layout, and witness how a spark ignited over 50 years ago in reed sheds in the mountains of northwestern Hubei grew into a blazing force—today's industrial giant producing millions of vehicles annually.
In the 1960s, amid the call for Third-Line Construction, millions of workers, officials, scientists, and soldiers ventured into remote mountains, valleys, and deserts. Through sheer manpower and perseverance, they established modern enterprises and transportation infrastructure. Among these projects, the Second Automobile Works (later DONGFENG GROUP), located in Shiyan, was tasked with "winning the battle for China's automotive industry" and became one of the most successful Third-Line initiatives.
In September 1992, the Second Automobile Works was renamed DONGFENG GROUP, and soon after, the first batch of "Fukang" sedans rolled off the production line, marking a new chapter for the company. Today, DONGFENG GROUP's vehicles are seen across China and worldwide, leaving an indelible mark on New China's industrialization.
From its founding vow to "let Chinese cars run across the world" to its 21st-century mission of "mastering core engine technologies" and now its pursuit of "building a world-class new energy vehicle industrial cluster," DONGFENG GROUP embodies the spirit of "hard work, independent innovation, and industrial patriotism."
Today, new energy vehicles represent the global automotive industry's shift toward green transformation and high-quality development. In 2024, China retained its position as the world's top auto exporter, with new energy passenger vehicles accounting for nearly 70% of global market share. Shiyan, as China's leading and the world's third-largest commercial vehicle production base, boasts one of the most complete automotive supply chains and highest industrial clustering levels nationwide.
Seizing the opportunities in new energy vehicles, DONGFENG GROUP is accelerating its "Dongfeng Rising" plan and "Quantum Leap" technological innovation strategy, striving to master core technologies and become a leader in original innovation and modern industrial chains.
The DONGFENG GROUP Museum serves as a living classroom for China's automotive history. Here, students can hear firsthand from industry experts about the sector's transformation, decode the essence of the "Third-Line Spirit" and "independent innovation," and engage with over a thousand exhibits, immersive scenes, and interactive displays that blend historical depth with technological warmth—inspiring ideals of "industrial patriotism."