Protection project brings old town back to life

Relics, ruins

The renovation of the old town is just one of six cultural relics protection projects supported by the funds for the follow-up work on the reservoir, according to Liu Ying, deputy head of the Zhongxian Cultural Relics Protection Center.

The Huanghuacheng Archaeological Site Park opened to the public at the end of September. Among the relics featured are the ruins of a fort that was built on Huanghua Island during the Southern Song Dynasty (1127-1279). More than 40 percent of the 281 million yuan investment for the project came from the reservoir fund.

Thanks to the fund, the protection of cultural relics has been deeply integrated into Zhongxian's urban development, Liu said.

The old town has seen tourists pouring in as the renovation project continues, and many businesses are booming.

Attracted by the development of the old town, Mu Shucheng and his wife Yi Haohan, both Zhongxian natives, have opened businesses there.

Mu used to live apart from Yi as he worked on small construction projects in Guiyang, capital of Guizhou province. However, when he saw how business was booming at a milk tea outlet Yi opened in the old town in 2021, the 33-year-old decided to return home and open a barbecue noodle restaurant.

"The local government provided all the necessary equipment for my store, including the chairs. I only had to buy the things I use to cook the noodles," Mu said, adding that for the first eight weeks he was spared the monthly rent of 600 yuan for the roughly 20-square-meter store.

Business is good, especially at weekends and holidays. During the most recent National Day holiday, from Sep 29 to Oct 6, average sales at his outlet reached more than 2,000 yuan a day, he said. "I definitely make more from the business than I did working in construction," he said with a smile.

Yi said that it's good to have Mu back. "The local government has attached great importance to the protection of this old town. I believe that I will see business grow as the area continues to improve," the 32-year-old said.

According to local authorities, the old town received roughly 140,000 tourists during this year's National Day holiday, and also hosted a number of visitors from overseas.

On Oct 3, it was visited by 13 students from 10 countries who are all studying at universities in Chongqing.

Now, the residents enjoy high-quality tap water, all the roads have been sealed, and the old hustle and bustle has returned to the street, said Wang, the senior resident.

"I don't want to leave anymore," she said, smiling.

Contact the writer at houliqiang@chinadaily.com.cn