Old district takes on new look in Fuzhou

Shangxiahang historical and cultural block in Fuzhou, capital of East China's Fujian province, used to be a shanty town, but thanks to the local government's efforts to renovate the block to promote the development of cultural tourism, the village has taken on an entirely new look.

Covering a total land area of 476 mu (31.73 hectares), the block features architecture in the style of the late Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) and was recognized as a provincial historical and cultural block in 2014.

Shangxiahang was previously dirty, disorderly and poor. However, in 2015, the local government launched a renovation project to improve the living conditions of residents and promote the area's economic and social development, said Lu Xin, director at the management committee of Shangshu Temple, a historic site at the block.

The authorities allocated resources to build new houses for poor residents, and all poor households were resettled in new houses that were bright and spacious.

Supporting infrastructure was constructed and upgraded, including cultural squares and pedestrian streets, which attracted a large number of commercial tenants, resulting in increased incomes for locals, said Lu.

Lu added that the upgrading and renovation work also helped enrich local cultural activities and folk customs, and many time-honored brands moved back to the block due to the improved environment, which has attracted more and more tourists and encouraged locals to find a way to prosperity.