The history of the Baotou Cotton Mill is inseparable from a remarkable group of female textile workers, who made up over 66 percent of the mill's workforce during its peak years. With deft hands and unwavering dedication, they mastered the looms, turning thread into fabric through years of persistent effort.

Their contributions were widely recognized: from 1985 to 1997, three received honors such as the National May 1 Labor Medal, 13 were named national model workers by the National Ministry of Textile Industry, and more than 3,000 received awards at municipal or factory levels. One of them – Jin Lihua – rose from an apprentice to a National March 8th Red-Banner Pacesetter.

Though the mill eventually closed, the textile spirit of perseverance, craftsmanship, and women's empowerment lives on as a profound cultural legacy in Baotou, continuing to inspire new generations with its story of diligence and pride.