Xibu Old Street in Zhangjiajie

Xibu Old Street (溪布老街), located in Wulingyuan District (武陵源区) of Zhangjiajie City (张家界市), Hunan Province (湖南省), is a unique cultural experience center for intangible cultural heritage. It is situated across from the Wulingyuan District Government on Wuling Avenue (武陵大道), with a 400-meter view of the Suoxi River (索溪河) to the south, Zhangjiajie Grand Theatre (张家界大剧院) to the east, and Baofeng Bridge (宝峰桥), the gateway to Baofeng Lake (宝峰湖), to the west.

Covering an area of approximately 100 acres (about 67,000 square meters), Xibu Old Street is the only comprehensive tourist commercial pedestrian street in China, integrating a water bar street, famous Chinese snack street, a local Xiangxi (湘西) folk shopping street, leisure inns, and creative workshops. This cultural tourism spot is a one-of-a-kind attraction in the core scenic area of Wulingyuan, developed by Zhangjiajie Jinrui Tourism Development Co., Ltd. (张家界金瑞旅游发展有限公司), with an investment of approximately 300 million RMB.

Location and Climate

  • Location: Wulingyuan District, Zhangjiajie City, Hunan Province, China
  • Climate: Subtropical monsoon climate
  • Opening Hours: Open year-round, Monday to Sunday, 00:00 to 24:00
  • Attraction Level: AAAA-level scenic area
  • Ticket Price: Free entry
  • Area: 100 acres
  • City: Zhangjiajie, Hunan
  • Country: China
  • Best Time to Visit: Suitable for all seasons

Introduction

The overall layout of Xibu Old Street is designed with a combination of streets and courtyards, utilizing building shapes and volumes based on the linear accumulation theory. The architecture aims to be romantic, light, and transparent, reflecting a blend of fashion and rustic charm while fulfilling both functional and aesthetic needs. The facades of the buildings combine traditional elements from the Tujia (土家族) and Miao (苗族) ethnic groups, transformed into a unified, simple, and abstract style, creating an ancient and grand atmosphere.

As part of the landscaping, the theme incorporates local folk stories and legends, enhancing the depth and expansive feel of the street. The style is modern and simple, with intricate details and fine craftsmanship that showcase elegant cultural features and decorative effects. The plant design is carefully planned, using the contrast of light and shadow, sounds, and colors to convey natural elements such as wind, moon, clouds, sun, and the changing seasons.

Xibu Old Street is a cultural hall full of imagination, bringing the traditions and beauty of the ethnic groups closer to us.

Location

Xibu Old Street is located in Wulingyuan District, Zhangjiajie City. It is positioned north of Wuling Avenue, south of the Suoxi River with a scenic 400-meter water view, east of the Zhangjiajie Grand Theatre, and west of Baofeng Bridge, the main access to Baofeng Lake. The total area of the project is around 100 acres, with a total construction area of approximately 70,000 square meters.

The Value of Xibu Old Street

“Xibu” refers to a fine Tujia (土家族) hand-woven brocade, also known as “Southwest Kapu,” which was once a tribute presented by Tujia chiefs to the royal family.

Xibu Old Street, meaning “street filled with small streams,” is a joyful place full of life. It is an irreplaceable cultural and tourism product in China, as it is the only comprehensive pedestrian street in the country that includes a water bar street, a famous Chinese snack street, a Xiangxi folk shopping street, leisure inns, and creative workshops. This integration creates a unique and unrepeatable tourism experience.

Core Value System of the Project

  • Scarcity Value: It is the only pedestrian street in the core of the Wulingyuan Scenic Area (武陵源景区), offering an unparalleled experience.
  • Tourism Appeal: Located at the heart of Wulingyuan, this site already has a strong tourism appeal due to its prime location.
  • Strategic Location: The south-facing scenic views along the 400-meter Suoxi River, coupled with the proximity to key scenic spots in Wulingyuan, make it a prime tourism hub.
  • Proximity to Major Attractions: The street is near the Zhangjiajie Grand Theatre (张家界大剧院) and connects directly to Baofeng Bridge, a major gateway to Baofeng Lake (宝峰湖).
  • Unique Cultural Experience: Xibu Old Street offers an exclusive blend of Tujia and Miao ethnic cultures, making it a distinctive and irreplaceable product in the region’s tourism scene.

Overview of Xibu Old Street

Xibu Old Street (溪布老街), located in Wulingyuan District of Zhangjiajie City, Hunan Province, is a unique cultural tourism destination. Situated opposite the Wulingyuan District Government on Wuling Avenue, it stretches along the scenic banks of the Suxi River for 400 meters to the south. The street is also bordered by the Zhangjiajie Grand Theater to the east and the Baofeng Bridge leading to Baofeng Lake to the west. The total area covers around 100 acres (approximately 70,000 square meters), making it a complex tourism and commercial walking street that blends a water bar street, famous Chinese snacks street, folk shopping street, leisure inns, and creative workshops. It stands as the only one of its kind in the Wulingyuan Scenic Area.

Geographical Location:

  • Location: Wulingyuan District, Zhangjiajie City, Hunan Province, China
  • Climate: Subtropical monsoon climate
  • Opening Hours: Open year-round, 24/7
  • Attraction Level: AAAA-level scenic area
  • Ticket Price: Free
  • Total Area: 100 acres
  • City: Zhangjiajie, Hunan Province, China
  • Suitable for All Seasons

Design and Architecture

The overall layout of Xibu Old Street combines street alleys and courtyards, utilizing a combination of architectural forms and volumes. The street is designed following the principles of linear floating accumulation, resulting in an organic and harmonious arrangement. The architecture aims for a romantic, ethereal, and transparent feel, while maintaining a balance between function and aesthetics. The facade features traditional Tujia (土家族) and Miao (苗族) elements, reinterpreted artistically through abstraction, creating a unified yet grand appearance.

Landscape elements are inspired by folk stories and local traditions, enhancing the sense of depth and expansiveness within the street’s corridors. The overall design is modern yet simple, focusing on intricate details that highlight the cultural and decorative features. Planting designs integrate natural elements like wind, moon, clouds, and the changing seasons, enhancing the street’s connection with nature.

Transport and Accessibility

Xibu Old Street boasts a strong transportation network, easily accessible by air, rail, and highway. The renovation of Hehua Airport (荷花机场) with a 2 billion RMB investment will turn it into an international airport with an annual passenger capacity of 6 million. Major railways, such as the Jiaoliu Railway (焦柳铁路) and Shichang Railway (石长铁路), as well as upcoming projects like the Qianzhangchang Railway (黔张常铁路) and Anzhangheng Railway (安张衡铁路), will form a comprehensive rail network. Highways like the Zhangchang Expressway (张常高速公路) and the soon-to-be-built Zhanghua Expressway (张花高速公路) further enhance the accessibility.

The street is located just 1.5 kilometers from the Wulingyuan bus station and about 30 kilometers from Zhangjiajie’s city center, making it only a 25-minute drive away. Hehua Airport and Zhangjiajie Railway Station are approximately 40 kilometers away, reachable in about 30 minutes.

Commercial and Cultural Value

Xibu Old Street is the only large-scale mixed-use commercial complex in Zhangjiajie, combining various cultural, culinary, and entertainment offerings. Notable features include:

  • Water Bar Street: Located along the Suxi River, this area will host China’s first water-based bar street, offering an exquisite combination of architecture and water. The bars will feature a mix of relaxing, slow-dance venues and performance-based establishments.

  • Chinese Snacks Street: This section of the street spans around 10,000 square meters and features over 120 shops specializing in famous snacks from Hunan and other parts of China. Visitors can sample delicacies from regions like Chengdu, Chongqing, and Guangdong.

  • Folk Shopping Street: Extending from the main entrance towards Xiuyou Plaza (绣球广场), this area focuses on folk art and souvenirs from Xiangxi (湘西), offering unique handicrafts and souvenirs.

  • Leisure Inns: Built in the traditional Tujia-style, these inns offer a relaxing environment with private courtyards and high-quality amenities. These accommodations range in size from 800 to 1,200 square meters.

  • Creative Workshops: The street also hosts creative workshops, where visitors can experience hands-on activities and purchase handmade products.

Commercial Property:

  • Snack Street: 10,000 square meters of space dedicated to small eateries and famous snacks, with areas catering to both local and national tastes.
  • Bar Areas: Totaling 15,000 square meters, these spaces will include both water-based and regular bars. The waterfront bar area is expected to be particularly popular.

Cultural Value

Xibu Old Street is a rich cultural experience showcasing the essence of the Tujia and Miao ethnic groups (土家族和苗族). It embraces the indigenous architecture and traditions of the region, while also incorporating modern elements to cater to contemporary tastes. The development emphasizes “the most natural, original, and harmonious” qualities, with a focus on preserving the natural beauty of the area.

Brand and Recognition

Xibu Old Street is becoming a prominent leisure and entertainment destination in Zhangjiajie, with potential to rival other famous tourism areas in China like Lijiang Ancient Town and Yangshuo. It is set to become a famous tourist brand in Hunan Province, bringing significant commercial and tourism opportunities.

Recognition:

Xibu Old Street has earned several accolades:

  • It was honored as the “Best Commercial Investment Property” at the 2010-2011 Hunan Real Estate Industry Awards.
  • It was recognized as one of the “Top Ten Most Satisfied Properties by the Public” in the 2010 Hunan Real Estate Industry Awards.
  • It was awarded for its “Investment Value” in the 2010 “Influential Zhangjiajie” property selection.

Key Events and Future Plans

Xibu Old Street is set to host the 2nd China Hunan Tourism Products Expo in September, expected to attract 200,000 exhibitors and visitors. The expo will be held in the Wulingyuan Scenic Area and will showcase a wide range of regional tourism products and souvenirs.

This event, alongside the various ongoing developments, continues to solidify Xibu Old Street’s place as a central hub for tourism and cultural exchange in Zhangjiajie.