Renhe Road near Lundu Ferry Terminal was turned into a Taiwanese Food Street in September 2011, bringing a large tourist flow to this old street near the Zhongshan Road area, one of the most popular tourist attractions in Xiamen.
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However, on January 1st, 2015, the Taiwanese Food Street was closed as its tenancy has expired. The local government is now seeking advice from the public for the development of this old street, and it is expected to feature cultural elements for its further transformation.
The Taiwanese Food Street brought many business opportunities for nearby business operators, however, it also caused conflicts between the operators and residents over the loud noise and poor hygiene conditions.
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According to data released by the management department of Renhe Road, the food street attracted about 4 to 5 million visitors annually. |
According to data released by the management department of Renhe Road, the food street attracted about 4 to 5 million visitors annually.
A shop owner along Renhe Road said turnover at his shop dropped by half after the closure of the food street. However, a resident said she is finally able to sleep soundly the entire night after so many years of disrupted sleep due to the noise levels on the street.
Shop rental prices nearby also saw price hikes during the operation of the food street, from the previous 2,000 to 3,000 yuan per month to the current 200,000 to 300,000 yuan per month.
"There is a plan set for the further transformation of this old street, but we will hear advice from the public first," said Mr. Zhang Yunpeng, deputy director of Lujiang Road Sub-district Office.
