Longmenhao historical and cultural blocks under construction.

Artists’ conception of the Hot Pot Town gate. (Picture provided by the Nanshan Ecological Zone Management Committee)

CHONGQING (CQNEWS) -- Among several main urban districts, the Nan'an District, which relies upon mountains and rivers, has unique ecological resources. The district will use these ecological advantages to integrate the city with nature and present green hills and clear water to citizens.

Longmenhao historical and cultural blocks to open in May

In 1891, when Chongqing opened its port, Longmenhao Wharf emerged and became one of the earliest inland ports in China to begin commerce with the outside world. Longmenhao Old Street has thus become an important witness of Chongqing port opening culture. Before long, this century-old street will reproduce the year's prosperity. According to the Nanbin Road Administrative Committee, the first zone of Longmenhao historical and cultural blocks is expected to open on May Day.

The first open zone of Longmenhao historical and cultural block is located on the south side of Dongshuimen Yangtze River Bridge of Nanbin Road. It is adjacent to Mishi Street in the north, Guorui Square in the south, Nanbin Road in the west and Chongqing Institute of Socialism in the east, with the coverage of about 27 mu and the building area of about 17,000 square meters.

There are 27 buildings with different characteristics in the district. It includes restoring the Xinhua Trust & Savings Bank and the former customs house site, rebuilding the US military attaché No. 1 villa, the U.S. military attaché No. 2 villa, the Italian embassy, the Belgian embassy and No. 80 Wanger Building, which are all district-level historical protection sites.

Elevators added for tourists

It is worth mentioning that the construction of Longmenhao historical and cultural block has continued the traditional space texture of the old streets. At the same time, the block also protects the topography of forts, steep slopes and mountain trails. The neighborhood elements such as ancient and famous trees, landmark and historic spaces have also been given priority protection.

In addition, after the opening of the first zone, visiting from Nanbin Road to the Shangxin Street rail transit station will be more convenient. It is said that pedestrian walkways and vertical elevators inside the block will facilitate tourists' travel. Visitors can take the elevator at Nanbin Road to reach the hillside of the block and then reach Shangxinjie Station with 20 minutes by walking.

Hot Pot Town begins construction this year

In addition, Nanshan has started a comprehensive management project on ecological protection with much attention placed on building Nanshan Hot Pot Street.

This year, Nan'an District will focus on building Nanshan Hot Pot Street and launch the construction of Hot Pot Town. Hot Pot Town will look like the number "6", stretching nearly two kilometers long. The first half of "6" is the road and the second half is the Hot Pot Town. After completion the town will cover 1,000 mu, making it the largest hot pot town.

At Huangshakan turntable road in Nanshan, a new gate for Hot Pot Town will be built. The door structure and the turntable road combine subtly, with eye-catching images that strongly resemble a hot pot stove. (Translated by Shi Yali, Fathom Language Limited)