Tianjin revives ambience of old town

Passing under a vibrant vermilion archway in the morning, the lively calls of street vendors fill the air, instantly transporting visitors back to the bustling old-town ambience of Tianjin, a thriving coastal city with a rich history.

As evening falls, amid red walls and black tiles adorned with shimmering lights, visitors are captivated by popular intangible cultural heritage items and local delicacies. These picturesque scenes unfold in the recently renovated Luhe Duyun Alley, nestled within the Tianjin Ancient Cultural Street in Nankai district.

The 200-meter alley mirrors the scenes depicted in the historical Luhe Duyun Painting, showcasing the vibrant commercial and cultural activities along a grand canal built during the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) under Emperor Qianlong's rule (1736-96). "The newly renovated and opened alley is part of Nankai district's endeavor to establish itself as a premier tourism hub in the city. Plans are underway to introduce additional tourist attractions throughout the district," said Nie Weixun, head of Nankai district.

The district saw 1.61 million tourist visits during the May Day holiday from May 1 to 5, creating a combined value of 523 million yuan ($72.4 million), up 14 percent year-on-year, according to official statistics. "The renovation efforts and the introduction of unique cultural and tourism initiatives are poised to infuse fresh energy into the street, attracting a larger audience keen to explore and experience the area," Nie said.

Efforts to upgrade the alley's buildings have produced positive outcomes. For example, Jade Emperor Pavilion, a Taoist temple dating back to 1427, and the Tianhou Temple, dedicated to the worship of the Mazu goddess and constructed in 1326, have both attracted more visitors with their new looks and services.

Tianhou Palace has begun promoting official cultural and creative products, such as figurines, specialty cups and sachets, since this May.

During the five-day holiday, it launched an immersive night tour, unveiling a treasure hunt map connected with local folk museums to introduce traditional competitions, enriching the visitors' experience.

Renowned cultural and historical scholar Luo Shuwei, 87, who recently published a book on the street, emphasized that this 1-kilometer street serves as a bridge between Tianjin's past and future, as well as China's heritage. For example, it has seen a revival of both heritage landmarks and long-standing local enterprises, showcasing the street's role in keeping tradition and contemporary vitality alive.

The street is home to renowned brands like Yumeijing, a household name known for its children's skin cream. Since the production of the first 25-gram sachet in 1979, it has sold 4.6 billion to date, said Jiang Wei, president of Tianjin Yumeijing Group. In addition, the group delves into the core values of Chinese culture, emphasizing "integrity", "benevolence" and "diligence", she said.

"Yumeijing will actively explore the cultural essence of time-honored brands, integrating our corporate culture to showcase the vitality of Chinese traditional culture," she said.

Such efforts to embed cultural heritage into modern life mirror the broader revitalization taking place along the street. In this context, the street's administrative committee has set forth plans to strengthen links between the historic Drum Tower, built in 1493, and neighboring areas, and plans to develop them into a prominent tourist destination.

There will also be efforts to revitalize some nearby buildings, introducing a variety of cultural and tourism activities to deepen visitors' understanding on local customs in Tianjin.

yangcheng@chinadaily.com.cn