As a landmark, the upgraded Zhonglou Street in Taiyuan city boasts a perfect combination of ancient and modern elements, showcasing local history and culture. [Photo/Shanxi Daily]

Located in Taiyuan, Shanxi province, Zhonglou Street, also known as Bell Tower Street, is named after a bell tower which was built there during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). The ancient bell tower was used to announce the time. Zhonglou Street has been a commercial market area for over a century.

Zhonglou Street has a lot of historical buildings, including the Dazhong Temple and Kaihua Temple, both of which were originally built during the Song Dynasty (960-1279). Local authorities have been making efforts to restore and protect the important historical buildings and relics along the street.

Zhonglou Street was renovated in 2017 and reopened in 2021 with a brand-new look to the public. It features many cultural relics, ancient buildings and time-honored brands along the street.

After its renovation, this 700-meter-long street saw many new stores open, each retaining the ancient architectural style. What's more, many modern leisure spots, such as restaurants, bars, exhibition areas and tourist facilities were created, lending the area a sense of dynamism.

Many local specialties can be found on the street, like dough carvings, mature vinegar, paper cuttings and more. Craftsmen create various paste figurines with their bare hands. Colorful paper cuttings usually serve as home decorations featuring delicate patterns that include animals, legends and auspicious characters. Foodies shouldn't miss the local mature vinegar, which is one of the famous Chinese vinegars and a perfect match with noodles and dumplings.

As a landmark, the upgraded Zhonglou Street boasts a perfect combination of ancient and modern elements, showcasing local history and culture. Its unique charm and relaxed vibe attract many visitors every year to explore the area.