A folk culture performance is staged at Jinyuxiang, an alley in an ancient block in Quanzhou, Fujian province during the May Day holiday. [Photo/Xinhua]

Newly renovated Jinyuxiang, an alley in an ancient block in Quanzhou, Fujian province, turned out to be a hit destination during the May Day holiday that ended Tuesday.

The alley, roughly 200 meters in length, has the history dating back to the Tang and Song Dynasties (960-1279). Lining the path were buildings with cracked walls, some even on the brink of collapsing.

In Oct, 2017, Quanzhou initiated a program to refurbish the alley.

Quanzhou is packed with small alleys like Jinyuxiang, said Li Boqun, director of the Quanzhou bureau of tourism, stressing that the focal point was to the strike a balance between development and protection.

The renovation plan for Jinyuxiang, proposed by China Academy of Art, was revised six times prior to approval.

The newly refurbished alley integrates some architectural components prevailing in southern Fujian, such as red bricks and wooden window frames, and drew in a slew of snack bars.

While touring Jinyuxiang, visitors can grasp what life used to be like for local natives, Li commented, adding that the alley encapsulates the local government's efforts in preserving ancient blocks.