China's Shipping Administration.

‌China's Shipping Administration is the cradle of China's modern navy and aviation industry, as well as a pioneer in the shipbuilding industry. In 1866, Zuo Zongtang, the governor of Fujian and Zhejiang, founded the Shipping Administration in Mawei, Fuzhou, with the aim of enriching the country and strengthening the military to rejuvenate China. This was the first national institution in Chinese history dedicated to the modernization of coastal defense. The Shipping Administration carried out a series of activities such as building shipyards, manufacturing warships, producing aircraft, and running schools, which promoted the birth and development of modern Chinese industries such as shipbuilding, electric lighting, and telecommunications. The Shipping Administration created several firsts in Chinese shipbuilding, such as the first 1,000-ton steam-powered warship and the first self-made steel-armored ship. The Shipping Administration School also trained a large number of outstanding talents, such as Deng Shichang, Yan Fu, and Zhan Tianyou. The culture of the Shipping Administration reflects the unique spirit of the Chinese nation, which is characterized by perseverance, humility, and innovation. It is a source of pride for the people of Fuzhou and a spiritual treasure passed down from generation to generation by the Chinese nation. The original buildings of the Fujian Shipping Administration included more than 80 buildings, such as government offices, schools, art gardens, offices and residences for foreign staff, warehouses, factories, docks, and dormitories. Today, the engine factory, art institute, dock No. 1, bell tower, and official hall pool still exist. These are well-preserved modern industrial buildings that are still in use and have high cultural relic value. On June 25, 2001, the Fujian Shipping Administration buildings were announced as the fifth batch of national key cultural relics protection units by the State Council of the People's Republic of China. ⏳Visiting time: Free admission, visiting time: 1–2 hours.