Located in Xiangyang City, Hubei Province, the 12-meter-wide Xiangyang North Street stretches for 860 meters through the downtown area, serving as both a landmark for the city and a popular tourist attraction.
An aerial photo shows a view of Xiangyang North Street in Xiangyang City, Hubei Province. /CFP
An aerial photo shows a view of Xiangyang North Street in Xiangyang City, Hubei Province. /CFP
Built during the Shang and Zhou dynasties (1600-256 B.C.), Xiangyang North Street has witnessed many historical and cultural changes of this ancient city. In order to highlight the long history and valued culture of this city, the local government redeveloped the site to add more of an ancient vibe to this street in 1991.
A series of buildings along both sides of the street were built in the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) architectural style, offering a glimpse of traditional Chinese architecture to modern visitors. It reopened to the public in 1993 with its brand-new appearance. In the following years, the area has seen several phases of renovation to hone its design and update its facilities for tourism.
A night view of Xiangyang North Street in Xiangyang City, Hubei Province. /CFP
A night view of Xiangyang North Street in Xiangyang City, Hubei Province. /CFP
As the oldest street in Xiangyang City, many relics have been unearthed from Xiangyang North Street during different phases of its renovation – from ancient ceramic chips and cannons, to bronze statues and much more. They are all now preserved in a local museum to offer visitors the opportunity to learn about the long history of the city.
Nowadays, Xiangyang North Street is considered as the longest pedestrian street featuring a vintage design, echoing the rich history and culture of the area. It's also a hotspot for visitors who want to explore local specialties and go on a shopping spree.