On November 3, the third performance of the newly-composed modern Peking opera “The Centennial History of Shougang” took place at the Chang’an Grand Theater. Many audience members were familiar with or even had personally experienced the significant historical events depicted in the opera, and its performance immediately resonated deeply with Shougang workers, receiving widespread acclaim. The renowned Peking opera artists impressed the audience with their exquisite singing skills and refined movements.

The melodious pigeon whistles fill the air, and under the blue sky, the small courtyard radiates warmth. A few Shougang families chat casually about their daily work, share lighthearted banter about family matters, and in their exchanges, there is a genuine love for life and hope for the future. As the first to implement the contract responsibility system, Shougang became a pioneering force, breaking the ice and unleashing the potential and energy of its employees. At this moment, Shougang, much like this small courtyard, is brimming with vitality.

Gong Yuanyuan from Shougang Environmental Industry Co., Ltd. said, "I’m especially happy to have the opportunity to watch the Peking opera ‘The Centennial History of Shougang’ at the Chang’an Grand Theater today. The opening courtyard scene impressed me the most. It depicted the bustling days when Shougang first implemented the contract responsibility system, showcasing the simple nature of Shougang people and the Shougang spirit passed down through generations. I truly felt the teamwork, vibrant production atmosphere, and selfless dedication of Shougang people toward the company's development, which was very moving. I joined Shougang when it decided to relocate to Caofeidian and personally experienced the relocation and transformation. As a member of Shougang, I am committed to upholding and advancing the Shougang spirit, contributing to Shougang’s continued success."

At the Seraing Steel Plant in Belgium, towering machines silently watched the unfamiliar visitors. A group of Shougang employees, who had traveled from afar, moved tirelessly across the bustling worksite, dismantling and transporting equipment. For this task, hundreds of Shougang employees traveled thousands of miles, working tirelessly, their eyes shining with a thirst for knowledge and their hearts filled with hope for the future. They were determined to bring advanced equipment and technology back to Shougang, ready to write a new chapter.

Wang Aijun, a retired employee from the Security Office of the Management Department at Shougang Park, was deeply impressed by the scene depicting the equipment relocation at Belgium’s Seraing Steel Plant. He said, "The sight of transporting equipment was truly awe-inspiring, and I am very excited that these grand scenes were replicated on stage. I worked at Shougang for 41 years, and though retired, I still feel closely connected to Shougang. ‘The Centennial History of Shougang’ captures key moments of Shougang’s journey from production capacity increase and transformation in the 1980s to its current development path, which really resonates with us old employees. I will continue to carry forward the Shougang spirit, serve as a storyteller for Shougang, and share its story with pride."

Shougang employees are always ready to tackle challenges whenever Shougang’s development hits bottlenecks. Generation after generation, Shougang people journeyed far from home, dedicating themselves tirelessly to the construction of new production bases such as Qian'an Iron and Steel Company and Jingtang Steel Plant. The historically rare storm surge could not extinguish the passion of Shougang people. Issues such as unfamiliar environment and scarce resources could not hinder their fighting spirit. New production bases rose rapidly, and digitalized steel plants emerged, with countless lovable and respectable Shougang people paving the way for the rapid development of Shougang in a new era.

Zhang Yi from Shougang Environmental Industry Co., Ltd. said, "The opera ‘The Centennial History of Shougang’ gave me a deeper understanding of Shougang's story. From the perspective of a Shougang family, the opera introduces the birth and development of Qian'an Iron and Steel Company. As a new generation of Shougang people, we can also feel the century-long cultural legacy of Shougang. The production scenes depicted in the opera allowed us to immerse ourselves in the vibrant atmosphere of Shougang then, giving us a deeper understanding of the Shougang spirit that has been passed down through generations. I am deeply moved and feel incredibly honored to be a part of Shougang. In my future work, I will continue to embody the Shougang spirit of resilience and hard work, striving to make my own contribution.”

When talking about the plot, Wang Wensheng, a retired employee from the former Shougang Power Plant and Shougang Talent Development Institute Training Center, as well as a Peking opera enthusiast, immediately became eloquent. He casually mentioned various "anecdotes" from Shougang's development period, such as "fighting eight battles a day without taking off the armor for three days" (describing the selfless, all-out spirit of Shougang workers in the late 1950s, who worked tirelessly for 14 days to build a steelmaking converter). He said, "The Peking opera ‘The Centennial History of Shougang’ boasts a luxurious cast and a captivating performance. It left Shougang employees feeling deeply inspired and excited after watching it. The opera showcases Shougang's pioneering relocation and adjustment practices, as well as its wholehearted contributions to the Beijing 2008 Summer Olympics and the Beijing 2022 Olympic Winter Games, highlighting Shougang people's spirit of selflessness and their dedication to the greater good over personal interests. The scene of relocating the Seraing Steel Plant from Belgium left foreigners amazed, recognizing Shougang people for their advanced thinking and strong learning abilities. The scene of rescuing equipment during the storm surge in Caofeidian reflected Shougang people's endurance and unwavering determination. For those of us who witnessed Shougang's transformation and development, seeing these scenes felt deeply familiar, and we were especially proud and honored."

The sound of pigeon whistles fills the air, and white clouds drift by. The young people who once grew up in the small courtyards have now entered their twilight years. Strolling through the Shougang Park, the once steel factory has transformed into a new landmark of urban revival, symbolizing the slogan "Together for a Shared Future". Modern facilities and beautiful surroundings intertwine with memories of the past, and the warmth and liveliness of those days seem vivid and within reach. In this park, where history and modernity blend, they have witnessed Shougang's growth and transformation together, feeling the deep emotions and pride that come with it.

After watching the modern Peking opera “The Centennial History of Shougang”, Zhao Zhiyong, an employee of Beijing Shougang Park Comprehensive Service Co., Ltd., was lost in thought. He said, "There’s a question that lingers in my mind: Why does this everlasting industrial development, no matter how it’s presented in any form of art, always stir people's heart and move them deeply? Through the passage of time and turbulent changes, generations of Shougang people have upheld her with an unwavering steel backbone, pushing her forward with courage and determination. With the adoption of the contract responsibility system that brought a leap in quality, Shougang became a banner of industrial reform. The unprecedented relocation and adjustments made Shougang’s achievements forever etched in the annals of history. The grand transformation and becoming a dual Olympic enterprise (having participated in both the 2008 and 2022 Beijing Olympics) saw Shougang not only becoming a model of urban renewal but also adding a unique charm to Olympic history. This is the answer, the answer that Shougang people take immense pride in. As a member of Shougang's cultural and tourism sector, telling a good story of Shougang is our responsibility, and ensuring the Shougang spirit shines forever is our mission. We are a team with aspirations, and we stay ready!”