Remembering Liu Guojun: A Visionary Industrialist and Patriot
Introduction:
This article is an English adaptation of a piece originally published by the Changzhou Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPCC). It commemorates the life and legacy of Mr. Liu Guojun, a pioneering industrialist and patriotic entrepreneur whose vision and dedication helped shape China’s textile industry and contributed to the nation’s modernization.
Additional Notes:
This English version has been adapted for accessibility to English-speaking readers, with minor adjustments made for clarity. All images and captions are sourced from the original publication, with copyrights retained by their original creators, included to honor the spirit and details of the initial work. The original article in Chinese is available for viewing here.
Liu Guojun was a renowned Chinese industrialist whose life’s work left a lasting mark on the city of Changzhou. Although born in Jingjiang, his career flourished in Changzhou after he entered the textile industry in 1914. In 1930, he founded the Dacheng Textile and Dyeing Company, which quickly grew into a powerhouse. Within just eight years, its capital expanded from 500,000 yuan to 4 million yuan, spindles increased from 10,000 to 80,000, and the business grew from one factory to four—including three in Changzhou and one in Wuhan. The economist Ma Yinchu once praised this achievement as a “rare miracle.”
By the time of the founding of the People’s Republic of China in 1949, Dacheng had become Changzhou’s largest textile and dyeing enterprise, equipped with more than 44,000 spindles, 1,080 looms, and advanced printing and dyeing facilities. Liu’s success was rooted in his foresight, determination, and ability to manage people and resources with skill and decisiveness.
Beyond his business acumen, Liu was deeply patriotic. Having experienced hardship in his youth, he developed a strong conviction that industry could save the nation. He promoted domestic products and resisted foreign imports, even embedding this spirit in his company trademarks—such as “Butterfly Globe” and “Conquer the East”—symbolizing strength and independence. He traveled to Japan and Europe multiple times to study advanced techniques, always with the goal of revitalizing China’s textile industry.
After 1949, Liu returned from Hong Kong to Changzhou, determined to contribute to the new nation’s industrial development. He actively supported government initiatives, led campaigns for increased production and efficiency, and even donated aircraft and artillery to support the Korean War effort. In 1954, Dacheng became one of the first enterprises in China to transition to public-private partnership, setting an influential precedent.
Liu’s leadership extended into public service. He served as Vice Governor of Jiangsu Province, as well as holding senior roles in business associations at both provincial and national levels. He consistently offered constructive advice on economic development and inspired fellow entrepreneurs to embrace patriotism and socialism. Even during the political turmoil of the Cultural Revolution, Liu remained steadfast in his beliefs, famously writing: “Though old in years, my heart stays young—I will always follow the Party.”
In later years, Liu continued to support China’s modernization and reunification efforts, while also giving back to his hometown. His life exemplifies the role of patriotic entrepreneurs in shaping modern China.
As China entered a new era of revitalization, Liu Guojun’s legacy serves as a reminder of the power of vision, resilience, and national commitment. On the anniversary of his birth, we honor his contributions and draw inspiration from his spirit—to work together, strive for progress, and build a China rich in both material and cultural strength.
Attribution & Credentials:
- Produced by | Changzhou CPCC
- Source | “Changzhou Historical and Cultural Materials – Liu Guojun Memorial Collection” (1987)
- Compiled by | Jiang Tianrui
