In the first stage, under the banner of "self-improvement", advanced western production technologies were introduced, new military industries were established, new naval forces were cultivated, and modern navies such as Beiyang Navy were built. Among them, the largest modern military enterprise is Jiangnan Manufacturing General Administration founded in Shanghai. In addition, there are a series of military factories such as Fuzhou Shipping Bureau and Tianjin Machinery Factory.

In the second stage, under the banner of "seeking wealth", various new civilian industries such as ships, railways, telegrams, postal services, mining and textiles will be established. For example, the largest private enterprise established in Shanghai is "China Shipping Merchants Bureau". At the same time, it promoted the development of national industry in modern China.