Chongqing - Nestled in Dunhoupo Old Street, a once-quiet 500-meter stretch in Chongqing’s Nan’an District, “Head-Pinned Flowers Street” attracted over 110,000 visitors in 2024, generating tourism revenue of 4.3 million yuan (about 590,000 U.S. dollars). 

While boosting the economy, its popularity also brought challenges like sanitation issues and resident-tourist tensions. Local authorities have introduced a collaborative governance model to balance growth and harmony.

Since the beginning of this year, Dunhoupo Old Street in Nan’an District, Chongqing’s first “Head-Pinned Flowers Street,” has attracted numerous tourists. (Photo/Guo Xu)

A blossoming culture

Dunhoupo’s transformation began in 2023, when Zhang Guoqing, inspired by a visit to Xunpu Village in Fujian Province, introduced the traditional head-pinned flower culture to Chongqing. The intricate art of styling hair with flowers and hairpins, a practice listed as an intangible cultural heritage in Xunpu, resonated deeply with Zhang. He and his wife invested over 100,000 yuan to open a small Dunhoupo Old Street shop offering head-pinned flower services and traditional Hanfu attire.

Initially, the couple struggled to attract visitors due to the area’s relative obscurity and the niche appeal of the culture. However, after a viral video posted by a social media influencer in November 2023, “Head-Pinned Flowers Street” quickly gained attention. Visitor numbers surged, and the street hosted over 20 shops specializing in head-pinned flowers and related services by 2024, cementing its reputation as a must-visit cultural destination.

Tourism boom brings tensions

The influx of tourists, while revitalizing the area, has disrupted the lives of its long-time residents. For 69-year-old Lei Yong, who has lived on Dunhoupo Old Street for decades, the popularity of “Head-Pinned Flowers Street” has brought more inconvenience than joy. “There’s constant noise and littering, and tourists often gather outside our homes for photos, disrupting our daily lives,” Lei explained.

In addition to these disturbances, the street’s traditional wooden structures pose fire safety risks, while a lack of proper signage and parking facilities has led to navigation and traffic challenges. Local authorities recognized that the street’s popularity might falter without intervention due to these unresolved issues.

A collaborative solution

In March 2024, the Haitangxi Subdistrict launched a resident-merchant cooperative alliance to resolve conflicts and promote sustainable development. The alliance, consisting of 64 households and 26 businesses, established the governance council, a platform where residents, merchants, community workers, and local police collaborate to address issues ranging from sanitation to safety.

Businesses signed agreements to keep areas clean and increased the number of sanitation workers. Garbage collection facilities and equipment were upgraded, resulting in a cleaner environment. The alliance introduced 41 new fire safety systems, replaced aging electrical wiring, and formed a volunteer patrol team to monitor the area and address security risks. A new 80-vehicle parking lot was built on a vacant plot, and damaged railings, sewer systems, and roads were repaired. Clear signage now guides visitors through the old street’s winding paths. The alliance introduced diverse dining and shopping options to cater to the growing crowds, enhancing the visitor experience while boosting merchant revenue.

These initiatives have revitalized the community, fostering a sense of shared purpose among residents and merchants. “Head-Pinned Flowers Street” has transformed from a fleeting trend into a sustainable model of tourism-driven development.

As visitor numbers continue to grow, Dunhoupo Old Street now stands as a testament to the power of community collaboration, proving that tradition and progress can coexist in harmony.

(Liu Hanshu, a Chongqing Daily reporter, contributed to this report's Chinese version.)