China
2024.03.20 16:04 GMT+8

Traditional cultural street breathes vitality in Changde

Updated 2024.03.20 16:04 GMT+8
CGTN

An undated photo shows a view of Hejie Street in Changde, central China's Hunan Province. /CCTV

An undated photo shows a view of Hejie Street in Changde, central China's Hunan Province. /CCTV

An undated photo shows a view of Hejie Street in Changde, central China's Hunan Province. /CCTV

An undated photo shows a view of Hejie Street in Changde, central China's Hunan Province. /CCTV

An undated photo shows a view of Hejie Street in Changde, central China's Hunan Province. /CCTV

Hejie Street in Changde, located in central China's Hunan Province, resembles a golden belt tracing a riverbank. This renovated cultural street evokes the grandeur and commercial vitality of the ancient city, with a history spanning over two millennia. Comprising three main blocks, Hejie Street was historically a thriving wharf area in Changde, bustling with commerce and prosperity.

In the early 20th century, Hejie Street served as the business hub of Changde, where more than 30 million taels of silver of the total value of imports and exports were traded annually. The city of Changde played a significant role in the commercial exchanges of central China as over 15 commercial guild halls were established in the city by merchants from across the country. Sadly, the prosperous street's buildings were destroyed during a war in 1943.

In 2016, a restoration project was completed to revive the memories of commercial prosperity and preserve the cultural heritage of the ancient street. Spanning 1,500 meters and with a total land area of 133,000 square meters, the renovated street now also showcases traditional cultural elements such as Changde Gaoqiang opera, Changde silk string, and local snacks. Today, the street exudes a new vitality, blending the old charm with a modern twist.

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