Six-chi Alley

During the Kangxi reign of the Qing Dynasty (1662–1722), a property dispute arose between the family of Zhang Ying — Grand Secretary of the Wenhua Hall and Minister of Rites — and their neighbors, the Wu family, in Tongcheng. Neither side would yield. The Zhang family wrote to Zhang Ying for help, and in response, he sent them a poem. Upon reading it, the Zhang family had understood his meaning and voluntarily retreated three chi (equaling 1.09 foot) from the boundary. Deeply moved, the Wu family also conceded three chi, creating a six-chi-wide alley between the two families — hence the name "Six-chi Alley." This incident became a timeless tale of courtesy and harmony, embodying the Chinese cultural values of "humility and courtesy" and "harmony as the most precious virtue."

The Old Town of Lijiang

With a history of over 800 years, the Old Town of Lijiang comprises Dayan Ancient Town, the Baisha Residential Complex, and the Shuhe Residential Complex, among others. In December 1997, the Old Town of Lijiang was officially inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The town's residential architecture blends the building techniques of different ethnic groups, creating a unique style in layout, craftsmanship, and artistic expression. 

Changde Riverside Street

Changde Riverside Street first took shape during the Zhengde era of the Ming Dynasty (1506–1521). According to Changde Prefecture Annals, the area along the Yuanjiang River was flanked by water on one side and the city wall on the other. Stretching from the East Gate to the Great West Gate were three bustling streets spanning several miles. Due to its low-lying terrain, the streets would often flood during heavy rains, turning into temporary waterways — hence the vivid name Riverside Street.

In 2016, Changde City restored the historic charm of the old Riverside Street by reconstructing it at a new location with meticulous attention to preserving its original character, which recreates the architectural and cultural essence of the old riverside streets.

Tianjin's Ancient Culture Street

Tianjin's markets predate the city itself. Even before Tianjin was officially established as a fortified garrison city in 1404, the Ancient Culture Street area was already a thriving commercial hub.

This 687-meter-long street, brimming with authentic Tianjin charm, preserves some of the city's most treasured historical sites: the Yuhuang Pavilion (Tianjin's oldest surviving wooden structure), the traditional courtyard complex Tongqingli, and characteristic alleys like Dashizi Hutong, Wazi Hutong, and Sabaoshi Hutong.

Today, this historic thoroughfare brings together 34 intangible cultural heritage stores and time-honored shops, serving as both a witness to Tianjin's urban origins and a living testament to its modern development. 

The Pingjiang Historic and Cultural Block

As one of the most typical and best-preserved historic area in Suzhou, the Pingjiang Historic and Cultural Block boasts a remarkable history spanning more than 2,500 years. Dubbed the "Jiangnan Cultural Museum without Walls," this neighborhood has nurtured and preserved distinctive Chinese cultural treasures including Kunqu Opera, Pingtan storytelling, Suzhou embroidery, and traditional woodblock New Year paintings.

Pingyao Ancient City

The Pingyao Ancient City was first established during the Western Zhou Dynasty (c.862–782 BC) and expanded during the Hongwu period (1368–1398) of the Ming Dynasty , boasting a history of over 2,800 years.

Remarkably well-preserved, the city maintains the essential urban layout and architectural features of a typical county during the Ming and Qing Dynasties (1368–1912), making it one of China's most intact ancient cities. In 1997, the Pingyao Ancient City was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

The UNESCO World Heritage Committee recognized the Pingyao Ancient City as "an exceptionally complete picture of cultural, social, economic, and religious development in Chinese history."

Kang Mengting, Tan Yujie /Editor

Zhang Ying /Translator