Vacation in China 2009: The Tunxi Old Street

Located at the foot of Yellow Mountain and in the bend of Xinan River, lies the beautiful mountain town of Tunxi. I was born and raised in Tunxi and didn't leave it until the day I went to college. Tunxi is well known for its Old Street, which features century old shops, historical architectures, local snacks and teas, and a glimpse into traditional Chinese Hui culture. The town was first built over 700 years ago, during the Song Dynasty (960 - 1279). However, it was in the Ming and Qing Dynasties (1368 - 1911) when the Old Street became a distribution center for goods and materials to Huizhou and became very prosperous.
The Old Street is a pedestrian street which starts in the west at Zhenhai Bridge, a stone arch bridge build during the Ming Dynasty, and ends in the east at the "Memorial Archway". It's about 1.5 kilometers long and 7 meters wide. The shops, workshops, and residences found along this street have continued to maintain the characteristics and design of old Huizhou style overflow a rush of strong archaic, with actual shop in the front and the workshop or house in the back or upstairs. Many of these shops carry more than a hundred years of history, such as "Tonderen" (Medicine Shop), "Tonghe" (Steelyard Store), and "Chengdexin" (Source and Pickle Shop). These stores continue to use the same methods of production, display and operation as they did in ancient times.
In addition, Tunxi is a great place to get some peace and tranquility and enjoy nature, strolling along the old bridge and the river, enjoying watching the fish and bamboo garden, or listening to the birds sing.
The following pictures were taken in the early morning yesterday. Thanks to the rain, the Old Street was especially quiet and peaceful. (Click the pic to view larger)

The Memorial Archway

Zhenhai Bridge. I crossed this bridge everyday to go to The First Tunxi High School when I was in high school.

The entry to the Old Street from Zhenhai bridge

The following a few pictures were taken along the Old Street while I was strolling down from the Zhenhai Bridge to Memorial Archway:

A Hostel on the Old Street: