Travel
2023.07.04 16:27 GMT+8

Dongguan Street: The epitome of Yangzhou

Updated 2023.07.04 16:27 GMT+8
CGTN

Located in Yangzhou, Jiangsu Province, Dongguan Street owes its reputation to its importance in history, culture and trade. Situated near the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal, the ancient 1,122-meter-long street used to serve as a hub for transportation, handcraft industries and other businesses. Nowadays, it was listed as one of China's national-level tourism and leisure blocks.

An aerial photo shows a panorama of Dongguan Street in Yangzhou, Jiangsu Province. /CFP

The ancient street is paved with slate and its buildings retain the ancient architectural styles of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) and Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), presenting visitors with a glimpse of ancient China. As an ancient commercial and cultural center in Yangzhou, the area is a key location for archaeological research. According to studies, the Dongguan ancient pier was once a bustling transportation hub for the city during the Tang Dynasty (618-907).

As one of the most popular tourist spots in the city, Dongguan Street houses many time-honored Chinese brands from various fields, such as the Pan Guanghe hardware store built in 1862, the Chen Tongxing shoe store established in 1909 and the Qian Dachang paper store dating back to 1912. This extensive list of over a hundred stores also includes the Zhang Hongxing pawnshop set up in 1936, the Simei sauce shop built in 1817 and the Xia Guangsheng tofu shop established in 1901. 

A glimpse of Dongguan Street in Yangzhou, Jiangsu Province. /CFP

Yangzhou is famous for its traditional local handicrafts, and Dongguan Street is the place where people can find almost every kind imaginable. From lacquerware and jade objects, to umbrellas and hats, these delicate handmade products showcase the sophistication of the local artisan's skills and wisdoms. What's more, this ancient street features a variety of local delicacies.

If visitors want to learn more about the rich history and culture of Yangzhou, Dongguan Street should be the first stop on their itinerary.

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