Editor's Note: The Hangzhou culture, radio, film and tourism bureau has unveiled a list of 50 experience centers that best bring out the essence of the 19th Asian Games and the unique charm of Hangzhou. The centers cover aspects including history and culture, digital economy, intelligent manufacturing, intangible cultural heritage, and sports and health.

Qinghefang Street

An aerial view of Qinghefang Street in Hangzhou. [Photo/IC]

The historic Qinghefang Street has been the commercial center of Hangzhou since the Southern Song Dynasty (1127-1279).

In 1999, Hangzhou launched a renovation project to preserve the street. In 2001, the Qinghefang Street was reopened to the public and its renovation model has been hailed as an example of outstanding preservation of historic sites in Hangzhou.

In 2002, the street was restored relatively intact. Traditional businesses that were restored include the Wangxingji Fan Store, the Zhangxiaoquan Scissors Shop, the Huqingyutang and Fanghuichuntang traditional Chinese pharmacies, and the Wangrunxing Restaurant. This successful renovation has made Qinghefang an ideal place to experience and explore Hangzhou's traditions and folk customs.

Tourists from around the world pose for a group photo at Qinghefang Street during the Global Qipao Festival which runs from Oct 22 to 25, 2021. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Today, Qinghefang Street covers an area of over 220,000 square meters, houses 71 recognized historic sites, and is home to 14 national or provincial intangible heritage inheritors.

Over the past three years, the street has received over 25 million tourists and generated tourism revenues worth 3.03 billion yuan ($473.9 million).