Historical blocks transformed into cultural zones that come alive at night

Through urban renewal, ancient blocks represented by Chaozong Street in Kaifu district of Changsha city, Hunan province, have become a new cultural landmark that integrates tradition and modern trends.

Chaozong Street was added to the third list of national-level tourism and leisure blocks, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism announced recently.

Once the center of ancient Changsha, Chaozong Street is home to Maishi Ancient Street as well as the earliest new-style school in Hunan, Shiwu School, founded by Xiong Xiling (1870-1937) and Tan Sitong (1865-98).

With a length of 230 meters, Liansheng Street, a section of Chaozong Street, houses 14 city-level cultural relics protection sites. Historical and cultural celebrities such as Liang Qichao (1873-1929) and Huang Xing (1874-1916) once lived there.

In recent years, Chaozong Street has continued the layout created since the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1911) dynasties, restored historical streets and lanes, and connected historical architectural styles on both sides.

The street has preserved the original style and components of old buildings while adding modern functions such as kitchens and bathrooms according to the residents' wishes and needs. It also updated the sewage pipes, waterproofing facilities and gas pipelines.

Focusing on the creation of characteristic blocks, the street features redesigned greenery and lighting, and improved road signs and installations.

Catering to the personalized needs of contemporary young consumers, it has cultivated new business formats on eating, living, traveling, shopping and entertainment, and created a cultural tourism zone with such things as gourmet experiences, trendy brands, art bars, light meals, theaters, bookstores, sports and leisure.

The street has created a scenic spot that integrates traditional culture and modern fashion, attracting a large number of tourists for leisure and sightseeing.

Currently, Chaozong Street is divided into 11 areas, including the Tanzhou experience zone, creative design culture zone, Gongyue cultural park, an internet-famous business center and an old memory cultural tourism zone. Each has different functions and distinctive features.

"We are watching stand-up comedy and playing escape rooms in the alleys of Chaozong Street," said Zhang Xian, a Generation Z woman. She said that these new nighttime formats make the historical and cultural block more charming.

The nighttime business area of Chaozong Street's historical and cultural block covers approximately 40,000 square meters, with about 70 stores. The business hours extend throughout the day, with the nighttime peak from 8 pm to 4 am the next day. The daily number of consumers in the block exceeds 1,000 people at night, mainly focusing on bars, homestays, coffee shops, murder mystery games and other formats.