Visitors throng an ancient street in the Heyang Ancient Dwellings scenic area. [Photo/WeChat account: ls-mnews]

The Heyang Ancient Dwellings precinct is the name of an immensely popular national 4A-level scenic area in Jinyun county – administered by Lishui city in East China's Zhejiang province – where a cultural and creative store opened recently.

According to delighted visitors, the beauty and culture of the area is lifted by the appealing cultural and creative products it has to offer.

During the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1911) dynasties, people traveling between Jinyun and Yongkang – a county-level city administered by Zhejiang's Jinhua city – had to pass by Bashimen Street in Heyang. As such, the street has witnessed the ups and downs of the region.

Now, with the transformation and upgrading of the scenic area, thriving commerce has returned to the street. Various stores – from traditional bamboo weaving and paper cutting stores to hanfu or traditional Chinese costumes and pottery stores – now line the street.

In addition, relying on its long history and rich culture, Heyang holds different kinds of activities throughout the year.

As a result, the integration of culture and tourism has turned out to be successful in Heyang. Many villagers are now engaged in homestays, catering, cultural and other industries, living a prosperous life.