Focus on Arts and Ecology

According to the Xinhua Daily Telegraph, the Number 2 Thermoelectric Plant, situated on the west second ring road in Beijing, has roused discussion about the historical and cultural value of the city’s old industrial facilities. The capital pivoted away from its industrial past in 1983 after a central government edict directed the city to become a political and cultural centre. The plant in question was originally constructed in 1976. Many scholars have proposed tearing it down because it overshadows a nearby temple tower originally built almost 1,000 years ago. However, others argue that the power plant and ones like it are also part of Beijing’s history. Proposals have been put forth for repurposing the building. One plan suggests mounting a display screen showing the air pollution level on the stack. This would be a nod to the plant’s past as it was decommissioned in 2009 to ameliorate air pollution. The fate of the smokestack remains to be decided, but many scholars have praised the debate as representing a growing civic engagement with Beijing’s history.