East meets West along Chuanzi River

The German-style Hannover Street, opened in October of 2016, has become a popular travel destination in Changde, Hunan province.

The street, styled after the German city of Hannover, was designed by a German architectural team. Some of its construction materials - such as tiles and thermal insulation systems - were imported from Germany to ensure buildings on the streets feature authentic German elements.

Many stores on the street are operated and managed by German people. Businesses are mainly engaged in retail, hospitality and culture.

More than 39 foreigners from Germany, the United States, the United Kingdom, Portugal, Russia and Sweden are working on the street, according to officials.

The street has become an attraction that can serve visitors' demands for culture, travel and shopping.

The street not only offers made-in-Germany products, but also houses foreign-style entertainment activities including fashion shows, small expos and a German beer festival.

The street is seen as a symbol of friendship between the Changde government and Hannover in Germany.

The two cities have established close partnerships in water treatment and urban construction over the past few decades. Changde city's Chuanzi River treatment project was supported by the Hannover Water Association.

But the German-style Hannover Street is not the only tourism destination along the Chuanzi River.

The River Street area, which includes Mayang Street, Big River Street and Small River Street, once served as the most famous business gathering place in ancient Changde.

The current Chinese-style Big River Street, Small River Street and Mayang Street were rebuilt based on relics of their ancient counterparts, located opposite Hannover Street, and allow visitors to explore the beauty of the traditional culture of Changde.

People will have the chance to experience the lifestyle of ancient Changde people by walking down the River Street.

A boat tour along the Chuanzi River will give visitors more knowledge of Changde's development history. A light show named Dream Back to Chuanzi River will demonstrate the landscapes of River Street in ancient times. Travelers will also be able to enjoy traditional local opera during the boat tour.

"Some people said it is not good to develop a foreign-style street on one side of the river and develop a Chinese-style ancient street on the other side because they are not perfectly matched with each other. We do not agree with their opinions," said Wang Changjiang, general manager of Jingshanshui Investment Co. "Many foreign travelers are attracted to Hannover Street. Then they will also notice Changde's traditional culture."

"The combination of the two cultures will support development of Changde's tourism brand around the world," Wang said.

(China Daily 05/06/2017 page10)