The entrance of the Duze ancient street in Qujiang district, Quzhou, Zhejiang province. [Photo/Tide News]

The Duze ancient street in Qujiang district, Quzhou, Zhejiang province, was recently listed in the first batch of intangible cultural heritage-themed blocks in the province. It is the only street in Quzhou to be selected.

Traditionally a place for scholars and merchants to gather, Duze is also a historic commercial town with over 500 years of history. The Duze ancient street was built in the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) at a total length of 820 meters. The street houses 242 historic buildings that combine numerous architectural styles.

The Duze ancient street now hosts 10 representative intangible cultural heritage items. These include the provincial-level intangible cultural heritage item Quzhou's Chongyang Festival, city-level items such as Qujiang baked cakes and Duze cakes, as well as district-level items like wontons and corn cakes.

A blacksmith shop in the Duze ancient street in Qujiang district, Quzhou. [Photo/Tide News]

The Duze ancient street also features various traditional crafts, such as blacksmiths, old-style barbers, and bamboo weaving shops that tell of the unique charm of ancient craftsmanship.

In terms of cultural inheritance and innovation, the street has held the Chongyang Festival activities, intangible cultural heritage study tours, Wuju Opera performances, and calligraphy and painting competitions.