Zhongshan Road runs from north to south through Quanzhou City, Fujian Province. Located in the downtown area, this road serves as an important commercial pedestrian street connecting the main districts of the ancient city, forming a historical and cultural block that showcases the splendor of the city.

Located in Quanzhou City, Fujian Province, Zhongshan Road runs north to south through the center of the city. /CFP

Built in the 1920s and 1930s, the road was named after Sun Yat-sen to commemorate his legacy and spirit. Zhongshan Road received the "excellence award of heritage preservation in the Asia-Pacific Region" by UNESCO in 2001. It runs for more than 2,500 kilometers and houses China's most well-preserved and longest qilou building complex.

Qilou, also known as arcade houses, are usually two to four stories high, where the ground floor is used as a storefront. These arcade houses are terraced, offering a unique street scene. The qilou building complex on Zhongshan Road combines traditional Southeast Asian architecture with local residential building styles and is a successful example of a blend of Chinese and Western cultures that holds particular cultural value.

A glimpse of the qilou building complex running along Zhongshan Road in Quanzhou City, Fujian Province. /CFP

Many culturally important buildings and historical sites in ancient Quanzhou City line both sides of Zhongshan Road. The road is like a bright pearl necklace, stringing together such architectural jewels as the Huaqiao Tsuchi Temple, Pan Gong (ancient school), the ancient bell tower featuring its exotic style, the old Shanghai hair salon, and many other buildings that demonstrate the rich history of the city.

As one of the oldest roads in the city, Zhongshan Road is a repository for many stories and memories of residents handed down from generation to generation. Many different stores have set up shop along the road to offer local specialties, offering a unique blend of traditional taste and modern cuisine.