Published: Fall 2021
Author: Yuxi Wu (Cecilia)
Ponan Street in Pingyang County is one of the most famous scenic spots in Wenzhou. After significant restoration, this historic area, only 30 kilometers from Wenzhou-Kean University, is now ready to welcome visitors again.
According to Wenzhou News, Ponan Street has a history of 1,700 years and it served as an important transportation channel between Zhejiang and Fujian in ancient times. The street has distinctive landmarks such as wooden residential homes, a Taoist temple, and old city walls. The historical and cultural complex here is constructed through integrating culture with urban tourism based on the restoration of these ancient buildings.
The Nanshan Pavilion after restoration works features an intricate roof. [Photo/Yuxi Wu]
"Due to the long history, many wooden dwellings have suffered severe decay, and bridges and city walls have suffered varying degrees of damage," said Ye, head of the construction management office. "We restored the ancient buildings of Ponan Street through modern technology and did commercial planning for the street, allowing more shops to settle in."
Ancient clothing rental shops, bistros, restaurants, optical shops, and wonton shops opened one after another, attracting many tourists.
An endless stream of tourists flock to Poonan Street at night. [Photo/Yuxi Wu]
"I grew up living on this street with my parents and grandmother," said Wen, who now runs an optician shop on the street. "Since the environment of Ponan Street has become better after the renovation and there are more and more tourists, my life and business have improved."
However, traffic along Ponan Street can be challenging. The narrow streets that are only 4 meters wide, become congested with hundreds of electric bicycles that are sometimes parked indiscriminately, making it difficult for tourists to pass. The government has not yet begun to regulate parking on the streets.
Ponan Street, after the restoration project, at night. [Photo/Yuxi Wu]
So far, the renovation project has cost RMB 200 million. The government wants to make Ponan Street a travel card of Wenzhou through scientific planning and resource coordination.
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