Media workers, influencers discover Nanquan Old Street in Wuxi

Almost 30 media workers and influencers embarked on a media tour on Nov 5 at the renovated Nanquan Old Street in Wuxi, East China's Jiangsu province, to check out its growing consumer market and cultural charm.

Nanquan Old Street in Wuxi. [Photo provided to wuxi.gov.cn]

Located at the mouth of Taihu Lake, Nanquan Old Street in Binhu district is the gateway for ships arriving in Wuxi. This area used to be the commercial center of the southern region of Wuxi in ancient times.

With the opening of Wuxi Metro Line 1, Nanfangquan Station, one of the terminal stations, has seen a significant increase in foot traffic on Nanquan Old Street, making it a popular destination in southern Wuxi.

To offer visitors a better cultural and tourism experience, Binhu district has launched a series of renovation projects at the old street this year.

The renovated Nanquan Old Street keeps the down-to-earth local delicacies while incorporating new business models popular among Gen Z, such as Instagram-able cafes and light food eateries.

A light food eatery sells coffee and hamburgers on Nanquan Old Street. [Photo provided to wuxi.gov.cn]

Near Nanquan Old Street stands the Taonibang Cultural and Art Gallery, with its curator, Wang Yongliang, being an outstanding practitioner of the local stone carving art.

The gallery houses a rich collection of poetry, calligraphy, painting, and brick carving works, and has hosted a number of local cultural and art exhibitions, serving as an important platform for preserving and promoting the local culture.

Participants at the gallery have gained insights into the rich history and intricate production process of woodblock prints. They've also had the opportunity to engage in a hands-on workshop, crafting their woodblock prints under the guidance of a local artist.

A local artist introduces an artwork to participants. [Photo provided to wuxi.gov.cn]

"I didn't expect the intangible cultural heritage techniques to be so interesting and enjoyable," said Gao Dan, a participant in the media tour. "I can see that traditional culture is being preserved and passed down here."

Wang Xinliang, Wang Yongliang's brother, is a farmer painter who has opened a studio on Nanquan Old Street. He introduced his artworks to the tour participants in the studio.

Farmer painter Wang Xinliang introduces his works to the participants. [Photo provided to wuxi.gov.cn]