Chongqing is a city of 3ooo years history, some unique traditional old style of life could be trailed in towns and streets hidden in the modern city. Even in Jiefangbei CBD, the busiest and most lively district of Chongqing, old streets are here and there, where one can find the Old Chongqing easily. In addition to the Shibati Old Street, there is a century-old street called Luzumiao at Jiefangbei CBD, less than one kilometer full of bustling crowds.
Luzhong Temple Street in Yuzhong District is located near Chongqing Guomao Grandview Hotel. The original site of Luzumiao is below Minsheng Road Primary School. The block is about 105 years old, and more than 70% of the buildings belong to the 20s and 70s of the last century. They have historical vicissitudes and traceability. It is not an ordinary street. The first building of Luzumiao Street was the “World Bookstore” in the last 30s and 40s. It was one of the largest book companies and cultural events venues in Chongqing at that time. It is an ancient lane full of city and folk culture, and the social scene and incense of Luzumiao are also very lively. It is the only surname of folklore life in Chongqing.
Luzumiao St, an old street in Jiefangbei
At the very start, Luzu Temple was not a flower market but a spot for artisans to pray for peace and good harvest. It was built for worshiping Lu Ban, the founder of craftsmanship, instead of the deities of Taoism or Buddhism. In 1911, Chongqing opened a new chapter of opening-up and significantly expanded its urban area, thus attracting a large number of artisans. Therefore, the Wood Industry Association at that time funded the construction of Luban Temple (also known as the Luzu Temple) on Minsheng Road.
When the Luzu Temple opened, it enjoyed great popularity among the people in downtown Chongqing. Every night there was a drama stage and performances. It was always crowded with peddlers and servants, as well as artisans from all over the country who came to pay their respects to Lu Ban. Now that the flower market has become the new label of the Luzu Temple, most people have long forgotten that it is actually a temple.
On this old street, there are only a few scattered flower shops emitting a faint scent. The potholed ground makes you wonder if you are not in the most prosperous district of Chongqing. This old street, less than one kilometer long, immerses you in the authentic life atmosphere of historic Chongqing.
Many old residents have moved away. Now there are only a few flower shops, but the store owners are still committed to running their shops. All kinds of flowers in full bloom are put in a neat arrangement by flower vendors.
Shihuishi Street, located not far away from the flower market, still boasts the largest and oldest vegetable market in Jiefangbei Area, with all kinds of kitchen necessities and stronger vitality than the flower market.
With a variety of daily necessities at a reasonable price, there is always full of bustling crowds. Many old residents of Jiefangbei CBD have been buying food here for decades, thus having a deep affection for this market.
In a prosperous place like Jiefangbei CBD, the noise of bustling crowds, sounds of bargaining and vendors’ cries constitute the liveliest symphony of daily life.
The vendors in front of all kinds of booths seem to be low-profile masters who contribute to our daily lives with their unique skills. The whole market is particularly lively; with people bustling through crowded narrow paths. All kinds of shops such as pork stalls, mutton shops, poultry shops, and fish shops offer you easy access to what you need.