Time-honored communities and streets often play host to a city’s collective memory. They reflect a city’s historical roots and traditional modes of living. As cities ruthlessly modernize, large numbers of valuable places are either abandoned or demolished. In a drive to preserve what has remained and emphasize its significance, we present you some cultural and historical streets in South and Southwest China.

    Taiping Road, Chaozhou, Guangdong

    Taiping Road in Chaozhou City of South China’s Guangdong Province also goes by the name Paifangjie (Gateway Street) because of the 20 historic gateways lined along the street.

    Most of the gateways were built with wood or stone in the Ming and Qing dynasties for various occasions, including the welcoming of a new local official, honoring a prestigious scholar, or other notable events. It is said that there used to be over 90 stone gateways in Chaozhou. In recent years, the local government has supported various renovation projects to restore the remaining gateways and is promoting them as a local tourist attraction.

    The street is also a hub for Chaozhou specialties, including the famed Chaozhou snacks and Chaozhou opera. Visitors to the street can also find traditional handicrafts such as wood carvings and embroidery, which were made using skills that have been passed down by generations of Chaozhou people.

    Chaozhou city is home to numerous Chinese who have returned from overseas, so the architecture reflects a number of exotic influences.

    The buildings along Taiping Road are close imitations of those in Southeast Asian countries, with painted yellow facades and roof balconies fenced with curved railings.

    Earlier this year, Taiping Road was included in the list of China’s cultural and historical streets.

    Transport: Buses to Chaozhou depart from Luohu, Yinhu, Futian and Nanshan bus stations in Shenzhen every day.

    Nanzhao Ancient Street, Dali, Yunnan

    Nanzhao Ancient Street, with a history of more than 600 years, has been the spine of Weishan Ancient Township. Shops and restaurants housed in well-preserved old buildings still border the 2-kilometer-long street.

    The street is where tourists and locals go if they feel like seeing some entertainment in Weishan, Dali Bai Nationality Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province.

    The street starts at a square dedicated to the ancient township’s contribution in popularizing the Han language. Local officials encourage their people, most of whom are Yi and Bai minorities, to read and learn Han characters to have their voices heard in national affairs. Many academies that punctuate Nanzhao Ancient Street stand as evidence for this historical fact.

    There are several major streets in Weishan, constituting a chessboard layout. But Nanzhao Ancient Street remains the most significant one. It is the only one in Yunnan Province to be included in the list of China’s Cultural and Historical Streets.

    Since the year 2000, the local government has been working on a plan to develop the street into a key tourist destination while at the same time not damaging its original features. Now houses along the street all have access to electricity and cable television.

    Transport: Flights between Kunming and Shenzhen depart at Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport every day. Take a bus or train to travel from Kunming to Dali.

    Zhuhai Road, Beihai, Guangxi

    Beihai was the exports harbor of China’s Maritime Silk Road in the Han Dynasty some 2,000 years ago. Today, to the north of Beihai’s downtown area stands Zhuhai Road. Populated with about 2,900 residents and extending 2 kilometers, the road has a history of over 100 years.

    The road is punctuated with many landmark heritage sites including former residencies of Chinese historical figures. Once the business hub of Beihai, Zhuhai Road is home to numerous famous brands.

    To protect Zhuhai Road and the stories behind the road from being smothered by modern construction, the tourism department of Beihai introduced a series of measures. All renovations on buildings along the road should be consistent with its original style; additional buildings should have three floors or less.

    Transport: Buses to Beihai take off at Futian Bus Station every day. A flight also flies between Beihai and Shenzhen three times a week.

    (CRI)