Wanshou Palace block in Nanchang attracts tourists with fusion of tradition, modernity

A historical block in Nanchang, capital of east China's Jiangxi Province, featuring local cultural icon the Wanshou Palace, has become a popular attraction by harmoniously blending traditional elements like ancient buildings with modern amenities such as restaurants and cultural entertainment facilities, highlighting the city's rich cultural heritage and innovative development approach.

In the downtown area of Nanchang, the historical and cultural block encompasses an old residential block, a commercial block, and a religious and cultural block, featuring eight ancient streets and a cluster of historical buildings reflecting the architectural styles during the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911).

Built in 312, the Wanshou Palace, also known as Tiezhu Wanshou Palace, is a famous Taoist temple at the heart of the block.

In 1595, the Italian Jesuit priest Matteo Ricci visited Jiangxi and chanced upon the Wanshou Palace, where he was awestruck by its grandeur and the vibrant markets surrounding it. In his biography, he described the palace as magnificent and bustling with trade.

When explaining Nanchang to his European friends, he remarked, "Nanchang, the capital of Jiangxi Province, appears to me to be twice the size of Florence. While its commerce may not rival that of Guangzhou, the streets are broad and clean." This depiction of Nanchang and the Wanshou Palace was subsequently shared with Europe through Matteo Ricci's biography.

The historical and cultural block was one of the three major commercial centers in the regions south of the Yangtze River during the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing dynasties. Flourishing as a vibrant commercial hub, it owed its prosperity to the rapid development of water transportation, attracting numerous merchants to conduct business and establish residential communities within the block.

Today, the block maintains its historic charm. After thorough renovations, it reopened to the public with a new look while preserving its original layout, historical relics, and ancient residences. Meanwhile, it expanded to include modern buildings, leisure areas, and tourism facilities. Visitors can savor local foods, browse interesting stalls, watch traditional performances, take photos in ancient costumes, immersing themselves in its renewed energy.

To this day, the historical and cultural block stands as a significant landmark, showcasing the historical evolution, commercial development, traditional folk customs, local culture, and ancient architectural styles of the region.

Wanshou Palace block in Nanchang attracts tourists with fusion of tradition, modernity

Various celebrations are being staged across China in anticipation of the fast-approaching New Year's Day and the upcoming Chinese New Year holiday, or Spring Festival, boosting the market for related goods as more revelers get into the festive spirit.

In Beijing, more than 1,000 lanterns themed around fashion and technology are offering a colorful display in the city's Wenyuhe Park, making it one of the largest lantern festivals in the city this year.

In Shanghai, business districts have launched a series of themed decorations, exhibitions, performances, and interactive activities. Local authorities have also distributed consumption coupons, further stimulating consumer spending during the New Year's Day holiday, which falls on Wednesday.

In the nearby city of Hangzhou in the eastern Zhejiang Province, several promotional activities have been introduced to boost consumption. Additionally, business areas and shopping streets have been upgraded to meet the consumer demand for high-quality goods.

Special Spring Festival fairs have also been set up across the country as Chinese people gear up for their largest annual celebration around the Chinese New Year, which lands at the end of January in 2025.

In Huaiyuan County of east China's Anhui Province, a local fair is attracting visitors with a variety of well-known agricultural products. In Zhangzhou City of the coastal Fujian Province, a one-stop feature fair allows both visitors and locals to purchase a wide range of items.

Meanwhile, in northeast China's Jilin Province, local authorities in the city of Ji'an have sought to take advantage of the snowy conditions by integrating winter sports, offering visitors the chance to enjoy a range of snow and ice activities while shopping for Spring Festival goods.

Additionally, flowers are in high demand at many marketplaces across China as more people look to prepare some floral decorations as part of the celebrations.

In Kunming of southwest China's Yunnan Province, a special flower street featuring Chinese New Year flowers has been set up, where over 15,000 flowers are available, including more than 120 varieties of orchids.

Local flower markets area also in full bloom in various other places, from the northern cities of Shijiazhuang and Taiyuan to Hetian in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, all offering a wide variety of creative and unique flowers, which have been well received by residents.

New Year celebrations help boost market for festive goods