Authors:

Zhang Bochun — Former Director of the Institute for the History of Natural Sciences of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Academician of the International Academy of the History of Science, and Director of the Research Center for the History of Science and Technology at Nankai University.

Fan Yibing — Researcher at the Institute for the History of Natural Sciences of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and doctoral supervisor. His main research areas include the history of modern technology, industrial archaeology and industrial heritage, as well as comparative studies in the history of science and technology.

Summary:

The book mainly describes China’s ancient industrial heritage sites and technological development. It recounts the evolution of China’s industry and technologies over the centuries and emphasizes the necessity of their preservation, providing detailed information on 28 major industrial heritage sites in the country. For example, the Tonglüshan copper mine, the Dujiangyan dam, and the Shenhaijing salt well are presented as key examples of technological progress.

The work highlights China’s achievements on the path of technological and economic development and raises issues related to the protection of industrial heritage, stressing that industrial heritage has not only technological and economic value but also cultural and social significance.