AFTER half a year of renovation and upgrades, the 330-meter-long historical block section of Nantou Ancient Town in Nanshan District officially opened Wednesday.

Entrance to Nantou Ancient Town. 

Nantou Ancient Town, also known as Xin'an Old Town, is an ancient city site with a history of almost 1,700 years and tops the list of Shenzhen's top 10 characteristic cultural blocks. On Oct. 18, 2019, the protection and utilization project of Nantou Ancient Town officially started. The project aims to turn the ancient town into the most attractive destination for culture and history in Shenzhen.

Entrance in black and white.

At present, 90 percent of the 299 houses in the ancient town have been leased back, and 88 buildings in the block section have been renovated. The historical block section will introduce food and beverage businesses, unique retailers, cultural and creative spaces, public exhibitions and a total of 18 sites for leisure and entertainment.

According to the plans, Nantou Ancient Town will be divided into four functional areas, where various forms of art and cultural activities will be held to attract creative talent from the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area to gather for cultural exchange and cooperation.

Pedestrian walking in the streets.

The ancient town will be developed into a cultural landmark of the Greater Bay Area and a gathering place of design and creative industries.

Source: Shenzhen Daily