What question did this study set out to answer?

The aim is to classify, protect, and regenerate Third Front industrial heritage sites in Guangyuan City.

January 23, 2026Open Access

Typological Identification and Revitalisation Strategies for Third Front Industrial Heritage: A Case Study of Guangyuan

HYHongcheng YuHenan University of Science and Technology MXMingming XiangSouthwest Minzu University QYQianru YangSouthwest Minzu University

Key Points

The aim is to classify, protect, and regenerate Third Front industrial heritage sites in Guangyuan City.
Conducted field research on 39 Third Front industrial heritage sites
Developed a 'type-medium-value' research framework
Employed architectural typology for spatial analysis at urban, settlement, and building levels
Analyzed functional characteristics and structural logic of heritage sites
Identified various types of Third Front industrial heritage and their spatial relationships
Revealed multidimensional value implications of the identified heritage sites
Proposed targeted adaptive mechanisms for heritage revitalization

Abstract

The industrial heritage of the Third Front construction (hereafter referred to as Third Front industrial heritage) serves as a significant physical manifestation of China’s urban society, economy, and culture during a unique historical period. Its widespread abandonment not only constitutes a waste of social resources but also accelerates the erosion of collective memory surrounding the Third Front initiative. As one of Sichuan Province’s (including present-day Chongqing) key Third Front construction regions during that era, Guangyuan City possesses a substantial legacy of Third Front industrial heritage sites. These sites are predominantly idle and face ongoing risks of deterioration, necessitating comprehensive and systematic research into their classification, protection, and regeneration. This paper focuses on 39 Third Front industrial heritage sites in Guangyuan City, employing architectural typology to construct a ‘type-medium-value’ research framework integrating field research with strategic distribution analysis at the urban level, spatial form analysis at the settlement level, and spatial combination analysis at the building level to quantitatively identify and qualitatively deconstruct the spatial logic of these sites. This enables the analysis of the functional characteristics, structural logic, and spatial intent embodied by different types, thereby exploring the multidimensional value implications of Third Front industrial heritage through this value medium. Ultimately, this research proposes targeted adaptive mechanisms and revitalisation pathways for Third Front industrial heritage. It aims to promote the cultural legacy of this heritage and perpetuate the Third Front spirit within the context of strengthening the Chinese national community consciousness in the new era, while aligning with the Party and state’s development strategies. This approach aims to provide a reference for revitalising and utilising Third Front industrial heritage in other underdeveloped regions.

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