Illustrations drawn by Lu Mei have been made into desk calendars.

Illustration of Renhe Street drawn by Lu Mei. (Illustrations were provided by the interviewee)

CHONGQING (CQNEWS) -- “Glasses”, “fat girl”, “brother X” … in the memories of most people, there are these kinds of characters: some people were given a nickname by their neighbor according to features of their looks, occupation or personalities and they have been called that for their whole life. Although people might not use their real name, their nicknames made them feel amiable.

Lu Mei is a typical Chongqing girl. She was born and grew up on Renhe Street, Yuzhong District and now works here. This ordinary old street is less than 1km long, but there are many stores selling various kinds of goods such as noodles, jelly in ice water, flowers … Lu Mei has many memories here about her childhood. During her free time, she has made all these memories into illustrations. They are not only about the flavor of her own growth but also about the flavor of Renhe Street. Last week, she was awarded the title of the “most beautiful people” in the Renhe Street Culture Festival.

Tell you about my Renhe Street

Lu Mei said that when she was a child, she lived in the residential area right beside the unit where she works now, so every corner of this street is familiar to her.

Lu Mei said that she once lived in a residential area in Jiangbei District, but the communication between people there was very limited, and so was the kindness.

After coming back to Renhe Street, Lu Mei climbs the familiar steps and smells the flavor of noodles on her way to work. She returns home with those familiar greetings from neighbors. When she is hungry, she can go to the jelly in ice water booth in front of the Kepu Building run by the man with glasses. Lu Mei said that there is special warmth on Renhe Street.

Two years ago, Lu Mei started to draw illustrations about people and life on Renhe Street with a pen. What she didn’t expect was that those illustrations got numerous likes in Moments. Lu Mei said that it was easy to understand; the name of those old stores and places and the familiar flavor represented by the illustrations were all memorable, “I just want to tell you that this is my Renhe Street.”

Tell you about my Renhe Street also became the theme of the season one Renhe Street illustrations drawn by Lu Mei.

Renhe Street illustration drawn by Lu Mei.

I will continue to draw stories of Renhe Street

Renhe Street series illustrations drawn by Lu Mei have two seasons, which have been made into desk calendars by her colleagues. She is now drawing season three, “I want to represent the history and culture of Renhe Street in my season three illustrations. Renhe Street has a long history: it was once called Gueryuan, then Gongren Street, and was renamed Renhe Street several decades ago.” She said that she will tell the origins of Renhe Street, the historic relic building “Chinese-French School” in Renhe Street and other landmarks in season three.

Through these illustrations, Lu Mei becomes a disseminator of the most beautiful memories of Renhe Street. Last week, she was awarded the title of the “Most Beautiful People” in Renhe Street during the 14th “The Light of Renhe” cultural festival held by the Renhe Street Community. Lu Mei said that she will continue to draw stories of Renhe Street. (Translated by Du Jing, Fathom Language Limited)