Culture Tourism

Chengdu historical site thrives after quake

By Huang Zhiling and Zhang Ao (China Daily Sichuan Bureau)
Updated: 2010-06-09 17:38

Today's China Lane has become one of the most popular tourist sites in Chengdu.

CHENGDU - Next Monday will mark the two-year anniversary of the reopening of China Lane, a renowned historical site with a history of nearly 300 years, in Chengdu, Sichuan province.

Activities including an African culture performance, a traditional Dragon Boat Festival celebration, and a meeting with native writer Liu Shahe will be staged during the one-month celebration of the lane's reopening, from June 11 to July 11.

After five years of protection and reconstruction, the lane reopened to the public on June 14, 2008, more than one month after the devastating earthquake in Wenchuan County in Sichuan.

While the provincial tourist market was sluggish due to the magnitude-8.0 earthquake, China Lane attracted more than 1 million visitors in the first month after its reopening, becoming the driving force behind the revival of Sichuan's tourist sector.

The lane's reconstruction was based on its old architectural features. In addition to traditional teahouses, bars, cafés and creative markets have moved into its courtyards to attract customers with varied tastes.

Constructed in 1718, China Lane, which was a residential quarter of Manchus, rulers of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), is the last street to be preserved from the old Chengdu.