Revitalized street fuels new consumer vitality in Nanming

Golden lights illuminate Cao Zhuangyuan Street's Zhuangyuan Building. [Photo/Nanming Media Center]

The transformation of historic alleys and streets in Guiyang city's Nanming district is breathing new life into local commerce. Cao Zhuangyuan Street area, part of an urban renewal campaign, emerges as a flagship project.

Lanterns light up the street on weekend evenings as visitors dressed in traditional Hanfu pose with "Zhuangyuan" ice cream in front of the historic Zhuangyuan Building, capturing snapshots that blend ancient charm with modern flair.

Named after Cao Weicheng – Guizhou's first martial scholar to win top honors in the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) – the 213-meter-long street has undergone a comprehensive renovation. The first phase of the rejuvenated street opened on Sept 28, 2023.

Now home to cultural landmarks like Zhuangyuan Market, Zhuangyuan Pavilion, and Zhuangyuan Building, the street retains its historical essence while introducing new culinary attractions such as Nanmenkou Changwangmian (noodles with pig intestine and blood curb) and Li Lanying Hunan Noodles.

During the 2023 National Day holiday, the street recorded a remarkable sales revenue of 9.68 million yuan ($1.33 million).