CHONGQING (CQNEWS) -- The old Chongqing city is divided into an upper and a lower part, and Shibati is the link between the upper and lower half of the city. Shibati has a long, steep, winding stone road, low brick houses and narrow alleys. The Old Street, which connects the upper and lower half of the city, is a bustling place that carries memories of countless Chongqing locals. In the trend of urban development, transformation of Shibati is also advancing, and the Traditional Landscape Area of Shibati is expected to meet the public next year. A brand new Shibati is to be unveiled.

The winding staircases, shaded by trees, are flanked by a scattering of stilted buildings... Entering Shibati near Jiaochangkou roundabout in Yuzhong District, the preliminary scale of first opening area of the Traditional Landscape Area of Shibati is in sight. The old stone stairs are hidden under wooden separating boards for protection, and will meet the public when the Traditional Landscape Area of Shibati opens next year.

The Old Street is bustling with people, including carpenters, tailors, shavers, earwax-pickers and pedicurists, going about their business; sellers carry their loads through streets and “Bangbang men” carry their goods up the stairs; and people in bustling teahouses drink bowls of tea and chat... Shibati in the old days and the city life in the streets are integrated into the mural painting in the first opening area. 

Stilted buildings, grey tiles, red bricks, and woven bamboo walls…After the transformation of Shibati, the original architectural symbols are extracted as far as possible in the construction of the traditional landscape area, in order to show the characteristics of the landscape of Shibati buildings. Stopping to look around Shibati is like weaving with the old times.

What has been preserved is ficus virens on Old Street. The relevant person in charge of Shibati project introduced that in the transformation process, they kept the growth position of the original ficus virens as much as possible, and some of ficus virens that were temporarily moved due to construction will be replanted back later. The vigorous branches of ficus virens stretch out to their fullest extent, bringing back memories of the past.

The first opening area is just a microcosm of the Traditional Landscape Area of Shibati. The person in charge introduced that the Traditional Landscape Area of Shibati is divided into zones ABCDE, including zones ABC for the core area with a demonstration of the first opening area, and zones DE for coordination area. At present, the main body of buildings in zones ABC has been sealed, the facade has been completed and the construction of external pipe networks is underway, while the main structure of buildings in zones DE is 80% complete. The Traditional Landscape Area of Shibati is expected to be completed and open to the public next year.

A cluster of traditional buildings has taken shape in the landscape. Zones AB will take the traditional Bayu folk culture, Bayu city culture and historical architecture culture as the keynote to build an open cultural experience block integrating culture and leisure, humanities sightseeing, catering and accommodation. Zone C is about domestic fashion cultural and creative experience, showcasing the culture and charm of domestic fashion; Zone D is the international exchange center, and Zone E is the lifestyle center.

The familiar seven streets and six alleys will also be continued, and their historical and cultural backgrounds will be used to create eighteen attractions for visitors. For example, in Qiaopu Alley, the history of the development of this unique means of transportation in the Mountain City of “jampan” is refined and recreated, using the walls on both sides of Qiaopu Alley for artistic display, and introducing the experience of jampan.

How many memories and stories do you remember about Shibati? Mountain City Memory Museum not only displays many precious images of Shibati before its transformation, but also many old objects. A box of matches and a pocket watch will bring you back to the old times. Under the immersive 3D projection, big screen splicing, dream starry sky and other technologies, combined with the real 3D model, the scenery of old Shibati is also presented one by one, telling you the story in the original streets and alleys.

As night falls and lights turn on, the patchwork of stilted buildings are paired with bright lights. Will Shibati at night be the next place you visit?

The Traditional Landscape Area of Shibati will be unveiled next year. Stepping up the familiar stone steps, walking through the Seven Streets and Six Alleys, looking at the stilted buildings and traditional Chuandong dwellings... The new appearance of Shibati, memory of Old Mountain City, is waiting for you! (Translated by Wang Huixin, Fathom Language Limited)