In April 1949, Communist Party secretary Liu Shaoqi paid a visit to the factory and commanded that it become the first bicycle manufacturer in New China.

A bicycle was regarded as one of the Four Big Things of every citizen, alongside a sewing machine, watch, and radio -- important items in life that also signified an increase in living standards.

[5]: 39–40 The Flying Pigeon bicycle became a symbol of an egalitarian social system that promised little comfort but a reliable ride through life.

The classic Flying Pigeon bicycle is the PA-02, a single-speed with 28-inch wheels, mudguards (fenders), a fully enclosed chain case, a rear rack and rod-actuated brakes.

However, other colors are available, such as: dark green, which is used by China Post; red, which is used by Chinese municipal fire departments; and yellow, orange and blue, which are used by various businesses.

For most of the Communist era, the price of a Flying Pigeon was 150 yuan, about two months' salary, with a waiting list that stretched into years.

In 1998, the Flying Pigeon factory in central Tianjin was shut down and operations were relocated to an industrial zone on the city's periphery.

[citation needed] Flying Pigeon now makes 40 models of bicycles, most of which look like modern mountain or city bikes, in various colors.

Workers hand-spray rough welds with coatings of enamel, and the bikes move on conveyors similar to those of a dry cleaners.

Despite declining domestic sales, the Flying Pigeon remains China's most popular bicycle, if only because much of the brand's old rolling stock is still in service.