Chongqing- A new historical and cultural block, "Xiahaoli" in Longmenhao Old Street in Nan'an District, is opened to the public on Nov. 5. Chongqing residents and tourists can view the architectural complex with the characteristics of Sichuan-Chongqing dwellings and western structures and experience the life of old Chongqing.

Xiahaoli was an important part of the Longmenhao historic block, a century-old street. The old buildings, such as the former site of the French Yongxing Company, the Baili Bank, the Wen Family's Courtyard, and the former site of the Bank of China International Department, are gathered here.

It is understood that the Longmenhao old street block area is divided into three parts: the Longmenhao old street, the Xiahaoli, and the planned "Phase II Project." There are two municipal-level cultural relics protection buildings, 18 district-level cultural relics protection buildings, and 15 excellent historical buildings in the area, with a construction scale of about 97,300 square meters.

To bring a new humanistic and artistic atmosphere to Xiahaoli, the Life Art Festival was launched on Nov. 1. Visitors can explore nearly 30 cultural and artistic IPs with different styles, such as fashion coffee, charming photography, three-dimensional magazines, and avant-garde art.

Wang Maochun, governor of the People's Government of Nan'an District of Chongqing Municipality, introduced that the district started the construction of Xiahaoli in April 2021.

The renovation upholds the concept of "respecting, protecting, inheriting and innovating" the history and culture. The whole upgrade remained the original site construction, original area, original height, and original appearance. Eighty-five buildings were optimized, and 75 more were finally presented to the public.

The restoration materials of Xiahaoli's old street are mainly local blue bricks, old tiles, and stone strips. "We make all effort to preserve the memory of the old street, fully restore the life scene of the old Chongqing city, allowing people to see the long history, smell the familiar smells, and feel the textures of the buildings," added Wang.

It is reported that Nan'an is the only urban area in western China with a national public cultural service system demonstration zone and a national-level cultural industry demonstration zone.

In recent years, Nan'an District has been creating a unique cultural tourism brand and promoting the integrated development of business, tourism, culture, and sports. "In the future, we will continue to create the 'most Chongqing' cultural genes and functional spaces and attract talents through production driven by the cultural industry," said Wang.