After over a year’s preparation, Zhongshan Road, otherwise known as the Southern Song Imperial Street, will finally be unveiled to the public tomorrow.

Zhongshan Road, otherwise known as the Southern Song Imperial Street, will finally be unveiled to the public.

The street’s Drum tower and Catholic Church will be the most eye-catching spots that day. A themed parade, musical games and a tribute to Marco Polo will culminate in front of the church and bring the opening ceremony to a climax.

Gift boxes will be handed out, containing a map Hefang Streeet in the Southern Song Dynasty, and bearing the logo of the street, which was selected from a pool of entries from all over the world.

Another highlight of the street will be snacks from Southern Song period such as steamed bread, stuffed bun, dumplings, moon cakes, rice cakes and candied ginger. Migrants from northern China brought their food culture to Hangzhou when the capital was moved here.

Those who are fascinated by old architecture will be so thrilled to walk on this oldest street in Hangzhou. Zhongshan road is scattered with relics, building and houses that can be traced back to Southern Song, Ming, Qing Dynasty and also with western styles built in the early Republic of China. Some are religious relics such as the Phoenix Mosque, Catholic Church and Tianshui Church. Some were the home of famous people and stores of century-old brands. 50 buildings will bear plaques telling their stories.

Apart from that, old residential houses hidden in alleys around the street present visitors with a chance to see how local life looked 50 years ago. Renting a bicycle or simply strolling through the alleys will definitely be the best choice.

More reports on the street will follow.

By Chen Saiyan