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The Fifth Yangtze River Delta International Cultural Industries Expo unveiled its "Second Batch of Yangtze River Delta Cultural-Economic Case Studies" at the opening ceremony on Nov 22.

Among them, Shaoxing's "Cangqiao Experience" was selected as a model for integrating culture, commerce, and tourism in historic districts. It is the only case from Shaoxing to make the list.

The Expo, co-launched by Shanghai, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Anhui, has been held annually since 2018. This year's expo highlighted 100 cases showcasing the region's integration of culture and economy. Selection criteria included cultural depth, economic benefits, sustainability, and distinctiveness.

Cangqiao Street, a 1.5-kilometer stretch of white-walled buildings, stone-paved paths, and flowing canals, reflects Shaoxing's rich heritage. Historically significant as a Song Dynasty (960-1127) granary route, the street has preserved 43 traditional courtyard gates and retains the spirit of its original residents.

In recent years, the scenic area has maximized cultural assets by renovating landmarks such as the Sun Qingjian Temple and Zhang Guiming Art Gallery, while also enhancing time-honored brands and establishing 30 heritage-themed shops.

Immersive cultural experiences, including traditional performances and traditional attire dress-ups, attract visitors, while complementary business models cater to both nostalgic and modern tastes. Signature events like temple fairs and Chinese New Year celebrations further amplify its appeal.