An aerial view of Shili Street in Taizhou. [Photo/taizhou.com.cn]

Shili Street in Luqiao district, Taizhou, East China's Zhejiang province, was recently included in the second batch of the National Replicable Practices for Historical and Cultural Block Protection and Utilization list. This selection recognizes the district's effective approach in preserving heritage while revitalizing local culture.

Stretching about 1.8 kilometers with a protected area of 33.84 hectares, Shili Street is one of Taizhou's oldest commercial areas. Its origins trace back to a thousand-year-old trading tradition that prospered during the Southern Song Dynasty (1127-1279). The street retains its original layout from the Ming and Qing dynasties (1368-1911), featuring over 2,000 buildings, 10 historic sites, and seven protected heritage locations within the area.

Combining modern management with cultural preservation, the area integrates 62 projects under the theme of culture and intangible heritage, including traditional incense making, rice wine brewing, and fabric art. Twelve century-old stores such as those selling ginger soup noodles and plum blossom cakes have been preserved, while eight distinctive spaces — such as a folk art hall, a traditional medicine house, and a customs museum — now host over 160 cultural events each year, receiving more than 14.4 million visits annually.

Luqiao district balances conservation and vitalization by restoring public spaces like stages, improving residents' living conditions, and introducing a dual-level approval process that integrates comprehensive planning with project-specific restoration.