Throughout the centuries, Hainan has been a key transit point for international trade and communication. Its architecture has also benefited both artistically and commercially, from a diverse immigration culture. CGTN's Feng Yilei went to Hainan's capital city of Haikou to see how these cultural relics are being protected in the new era.

In the heart of Haikou lies the largest block of Qilou in China. Qilou, also known as the Arcade houses, represents Hainan's historic migration which dates back several centuries. It's also a sign of the vast amounts of trade, that took place here along the maritime silk road. They have formed a stylish fusion of Asian and European architecture, while also being influenced by Indian and Middle Eastern designs.

Today, Qilou Old Street remains a vibrant business hub. That is after the restoration of the district as part of the government's "civilized city" campaign. It aims to create a cleaner, and more liveable city. This refurbished area also offers a taste of Haikou's life to tourists - like these students who are visiting on a school trip.

PETER WOODHEAD, ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL LAW TING PONG SECONDARY SCHOOL "It reminds me of probably what these parts of China were like and probably what parts of Hong Kong were like many years ago. And I love the style of architecture and the history that lies behind it. That's something I want the children to learn about, cause it's telling them something about their Chinese history as well."

COLIN & RYAN LAW TING PONG SECONDARY SCHOOL "We can really understand how Hainan people here take care of the historical buildings."

"And they try to rebuild it."

"They try to rebuild it not like in Hong Kong that they just destroy it and build brand new taller and more fashionable, more modern buildings."

But just a stone's throw away, surrounding neighborhoods retain traces of the old days. Residents still lead a buzzing, traditional lifestyle amid the exotic arcade houses but creaky infrastructure and chaotic traffic. So how can renovating these old residential areas be completed? The 300-year-old Jurenfang community in downtown Haikou, which used to suffer from the same problems, has found out how.

XIE RONGHUA, DIRECTOR JURENFANG NEIGHBORHOOD COMMITTEE "Rough alley streets have been repaved. Buildings have been repaired according to the old style. More greenery has been planted and we've solved parking violation to build more sports facilities and even a basketball court for residents."

But the regeneration project of Jurenfang is more than that.

XIE RONGHUA, DIRECTOR JURENFANG NEIGHBORHOOD COMMITTEE "When we rebuild it we plan to develop tourism as well. We encourage people to sell snacks of Hainan specialty. In the future, we will guide our residents to open bed and breakfasts at their own places."

But some worry over development will lead to gentrification. In Jurenfang, we find Zheng Xiangpeng who was born and raised here. He will soon study in Malaysia to learn how immigrant villages are protected there, and hopefully use their experience to improve his hometown after graduation.

ZHENG XIANGPENG, STUDENT JURENFANG RESIDENT "We must achieve the balance between tourists and residents rather than developing tourism blindly. Jurenfang has always been a residential area and I think the most prominent tourist attractions are traditions and cultures of the locals."

As Hainan continues to open up, the urban environment has become a focal point of attracting visitors and investors. What Hainan is doing now, is preserving the traditional features of the island, while also finding a unique way to keep the vitality of urban places and its culture. Feng Yilei, CGTN, Haikou, Hainan Province.