The longest National Day holiday ever (October 1-8) is approaching, and Hangzhou is putting its best foot forward, beckoning tourists with history, entertainment, temple fair, village life, a clown carnival, spectacular scenery and wetlands.

West Lake, of course, is always a big attraction. Facilities and around 200 cruise boats have been renovated.

West Lake is always a big attraction. Facilities and around 200 cruise boats have been renovated for the upcoming National Day holiday.

Royal Street of the Southern Song Dynasty

The Royal Street of the Southern Song Dynasty (1127-1279), now Zhongshan Road, mirrors ancient history from temples to old-time trade shops, local snacks to refined fare, amusement spots to traditional theater.

The street retains cultural relics from the Southern Song Dynasty and fine architecture from the late Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) and the Republic of China (1911-1949).

More than 20 old shops sell famous old brand products, crafts and local delicacies.

Many activities are planned. There will be lavish stage performances, such as "The Flourishing Age of the Southern Song Dynasty" and "Fashion Street."

There will be a parade, variety shows, acrobatics, hip-hop and cosplay. Traditional southern Chinese art, like Kunqu Opera, Hangzhou storytelling and shadow play, will be staged.

Expats can attend traditional Chinese culture shows, including calligraphy demonstration, traditional Chinese medicine culture week, Qiantang Lantern Show. Tea culture will be on display.

Meanwhile, there will be book fairs and ballroom dancing for seniors and graffiti shows for young people.

A worker puts the final touch on the iron fence on which "Royal Street of the Southern Song Dynasty" is written.