Historical block shines in modern city

Artists perform shadow puppetry at Nanguanxiang block in Haining, Zhejiang province, May 19, 2017. [Photo by Bi Nan/chinadaily.com.cn]

As a city located beside Qiantang River in South China, Haining city in Zhejiang province has all the characteristics of a water town. The Nanguanxiang historical and cultural street in Haining is the most typical scenic area reflecting the beauty of a water town.

The main street, paved with slabstones, is only three to four meters wide. The stores along the street are mostly old houses used by the military during the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1911) dynasties. And now they have been turned into teahouse, cafe, snack bar, art shop, bookstore among others.

The cultural block was renovated in 2008 and has been listed as a cultural protection unit in Haining.

The block showcases two well-known cultural heritages, the lantern making craftsmanship, and the shadow puppetry.