Nestled in the heart of Fuzhou, Fujian, an ancient street grid offers a glimpse of China's Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1911) dynasties while also incorporating modern tourism features such as craft shopping and café dining. 

Three Lanes and Seven Alleys, or Sanfang Qixiang, are 10 streets stretching along both sides of Nanhou Street. Considered a "living fossil of ancient city street system," the area is now the biggest Ming and Qing architectural district in China. The seven alleys of the block are named Yangqiao, Langguan, Anmin, Huang, Ta, Gong, and Jipi, while the three lanes are Yijin, Wenru, and Guanglu.

Gray roof tiles, wooden frames and white walls characterize the distinct look of this neighborhood, a gem of Fujian culture. Its history dates as far back as the Western Jin Dynasty (265-316), with the street pattern enduring through subsequent eras.

Spread over nearly 40 hectares, there 270 ancient homes in the Sanfang Qixiang block. Among the buildings, eight are provincial protected historical sites and nine are national protected historical sites.

The well-preserved homes have gardens with pavilions, ponds and bridges and most have courtyards. Scholars and literati are counted among past residents, including author Bing Xin (1900 –1999). Stocked with rich heritage, Sanfang Qixiang was submitted to UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List in 2013.

Today, visitors can stroll from the ancient homes to dining and shopping experiences well into the night. Curio and handicraft-laden stalls line the lanes and alleys, offering keepsakes and festival goods to tourists. And after a busy day of garden exploring and shopping, visitors of this Historic residential district can enjoy the ambience of cafes overlooking a canal.