Xiaoxi Street, a historical microcosm of Huzhou city

Xiaoxi Street Historical and Cultural District is located in the central urban area of Huzhou, surrounded by towering buildings and bustling traffic. However, Xiaoxi Street is a quiet leisure district and tourist attraction amidst the hustle and bustle. From Xiaoxi Street, we can glimpse the appearance of Huzhou in Zhejiang Province during the Ming and Qing dynasties. It is, in fact, a historical microcosm of Huzhou city. In the past, Xiaoxi Street was the dwelling place of prestigious families, wealthy merchants, and officials throughout Huzhou's history. Prominent Huzhou families, such as the Wen, Niu, Xu, and Mo clans, all lived here, jointly creating the prosperity of Xiaoxi Street in those days. Today, as we step into this street that blends the ancient with the new, the fusion of past and present, we explore the past and present life of Xiaoxi Street. The residential buildings in the street are typical of the southern Yangtze River region, with white walls and black tiles. Compared to the bustling historical streets like Huzhou's Clothing Street, this place is tranquil and serene. Such physical characteristics seem more desirable, giving visitors and onlookers a greater sense of the charm of antiquity and the feeling of being personally on the scene. However, due to the wear and tear of time, most of the residential buildings in the street show a mottled and simple appearance. Of course, restoration work is also being carried out in sync to preserve the old street as it was. As a well-preserved Ming and Qing historical and cultural old street in Huzhou, continuing the legacy and renewing the past is a top priority for those in charge of Xiaoxi Street. Therefore, the cultural and creative leisure district set up in Xiaoxi Street focuses on transforming it into a characteristic district that blends the classical with the modern, organically integrating local elements with cultural and creative arts to meet the needs of the public for sightseeing, and at the same time, it is also a necessity for the protection of historical and cultural heritage.