Road of histories - Gateway Street in Guangdong
Updated: 2011-07-12 16:52
(CRIENGLISH.com)
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Performers of Chaozhou opera dressed in colorful costumes parade the Gateway Street in Chaozhou city.[Photo/CRIENGLISH.com] |
Taiping road in Chaozhou city of south China's Guangdong province, also goes by the name 'Paifang Jie' or 'gateway street' because of the 20 historic gateways lined along the street.
Most of the gateways were built with wood or stone in the Ming and Qing dynasties for various occasions including the welcoming of a new local official, the birth of a prestigious scholar, or other notable events. It is said that there used to be over ninety stone gateways in Chaozhou city. In recent years, the local government has supported many renovation projects to restore the remaining gateways and is promoting them as a local tourist attraction.
The street is also a hub for Chaozhou specialties, including the famed Chaozhou snacks and Chaozhou opera. Visitors to the street can also find traditional handicrafts such as wood carvings and embroidery, which were made using skills that have been passed down by the Chaozhou people from generation to generation.
Chaozhou city is home to numerous Chinese who have returned to China from overseas, so the architecture reflects a number of exotic influences.
The buildings along Gateway Street are close imitations of those in Southeast Asian countries, with painted yellow facades and roof balconies fenced with curved railings.
Earlier this year, Gateway Street was included in the list of China's cultural and historical streets.