Located in Guilin City, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Yangshuo West Street has a history dating back 1,400 years. The 800-meter-long street retains many of the old buildings and relics that demonstrate the rich history and culture of Guilin City. It also serves as a tourism hub attracting people from around the world to visit, live and work there.
A panoramic view of Yangshuo West Street in Yangshuo County, Guilin City, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. /CFP
Yangshuo West Street is the commercial center of Yangshuo County that has attracted many merchants to establish their businesses there. Many time-honored Chinese brands have also set up their stores on the street over time. It's the most prosperous street in the county and a location that has remarkably helped to develop the local economy.
In the early 1970s, it opened its doors to welcome tourists from all over the world. Tens of thousands of tourists visit Yangshuo West Street every year to sample the beautiful natural scenery and local culture. Many foreigners came to Guilin to spend their holidays or learn Chinese, some have even met their loved ones there and settled down.
A view of a street corner on Yangshuo West Street in Yangshuo County, Guilin City, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. /CFP
The S-shaped street is marble-paved along with many of the ancient buildings, presenting the elegance of the Lingnan architectural style to visitors. Some of these historical buildings were built during the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1911) dynasties. The street was renovated in 1984, and in 2004 local authorities expanded the street to a neighboring area to form a larger tourism and leisure block, combining ancient and modern features that emphasize the local characteristics of Yangshuo.
Colorful lights illuminate Yangshuo West Street in Yangshuo County, Guilin City, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. /CFP
Many artists and celebrities admire the reputation of Yangshuo, and travel from afar to visit this amazing place. Remembered as a great national hero, patriot and forerunner of China's democratic revolution, Sun Yat-sen used to work and give speeches there. Locals built a life-sized statue to commemorate the famous figure. Chinese painter Xu Beihong used to live in Yangshuo, and the town gave him much inspiration for his artworks.
Yangshuo West Street not only retains its traditional folk cultures but also offers a fashionable vibe to visitors through its many cafes, bars, restaurants, shops and other supporting tourism facilities. Many visitors come there to unburden themselves and enjoy their leisure time.