The Liuxiban Streets, the first phase of the Zhang Jian Culture Town in Haimen district, Nantong, East China's Jiangsu province, was opened to the public on Nov 15.

The Zhang Jian Culture Town is located close to the former residence of Zhang Jian (1853-1926), a local industrial magnate, in Changle town. Zhang once played a role in developing the ancient Changle Street by attracting investment and building shop stores.

As the ancient street has gotten less habitable over time, the Changle town government had in 2000 launched the Zhang Jian Culture Town project in collaboration with Zhongnan Group to rejuvenate the street.

A lion dance is staged to celebrate the opening of the Liuxiban Streets. [Photo/WeChat account: jshmrb]

The newly inaugurated Liuxiban Streets consist of four streets: Changtai Street, a copy of the street in late Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), Jiangong Street, a copy of the street in the Republic of China (1912-1949), Seweng Street, which is focused on entertainment, and Jizhi Street, which sports an Eastern aesthetic style.

Visitors can get a taste of traditional Haimen delicacies, including goat meat and Shihui pastry, and admire bamboo weaving, paper cutting, and other intangible cultural heritage items on the street.

In addition to Liuxiban Streets, Zhang Jian Culture Town will also establish a weaving experience center, an art center, and three other facilities to exhibit the deeds and achievements made by Zhang.