On a sunny morning in Xiamen, a coastal city in the Chinese mainland, crowds gather under the elegant arcades of Zhongshan Road, a historic stretch first built in 1925.
This best-preserved arcade-style street reflects a blend of local and Nanyang architectural influences. Each pastel-toned building houses a piece of history: from century-old snack shops serving peanut soup and spring rolls to contemporary creative boutiques showcasing local designers.
By daybreak, the street hums with activity as diners line up for baozi and oyster omelettes. Meanwhile, the aroma of incense from nearby temples mingles with roasted coffee beans drifting from modern cafés, creating a sensory blend of past and present.
Despite its vintage charm, Zhongshan Road is far from a living museum. Trendy souvenir stores display artisanal crafts, and pop-up stalls host hands-on workshops—everything from puppet shows to calligraphy—offering travelers an immersive dive into Fujian culture.
For entrepreneurs and cultural innovators, this vibrant corridor is a masterclass in adaptive reuse: heritage buildings reborn through creative retail and food experiences that honor local roots while appealing to modern tastes.
Whether you’re an Instagram enthusiast chasing the perfect shot, a foodie hunting authentic flavors, or a digital nomad seeking unique co-working spaces, Zhongshan Road delivers a day of discovery woven from nearly a century of history.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
