Protection System and Preservation Status for Heritage of Industrial Modernization in China—Based on a Case Study of Shenyang City

Many Chinese people view the heritage of industrial modernization (HOIM) negatively, which leads to a lack of appreciation and conservation efforts. This study aims to verify and discuss the efficacy of the present protection system, examining the link between HOIM facility openness and its affecting aspects. To achieve this goal, this study establishes a database of 132 projects focused on HOIM in Shenyang, a prototypical city of China’s contemporary growth. It analyzes their distribution patterns and preservation condition, and analytical methods such as correspondence analysis and regression analysis are used. The results reveal that factors such as private enterprises as facility users and conversion into cultural and commercial facilities have a positive impact on the openness of HOIM, of which cases increased after the establishment of the local protection system. To use private capital more flexibly and effectively, ways to improve the relationship between the rights and obligations of the government and private subjects in the protection system must be considered in future. This study clarifies the panorama of the conservation situation of HOIM and offers insights that may contribute to improving the protection system in local cities in China, such as Shenyang, in the future.