Community in Shandong takes on new look

Beigou Dongjie in Jingyuan sub-district, Weihai, Shandong goes viral on social media. [Photo by Wang Meijiao for chinadaily.com.cn]

Beigou Dongjie in Jingyuan sub-district, Weihai, Shandong has been going viral on social media thanks to the local government's efforts to make the area into a more beautiful and attractive place.

Beigou Dongjie is a small street hidden within an old residential area near the city's People's Square. In recent years, the area has transformed into a popular tourism destination, and visiting small restaurants and enjoying delicious food here has become commonplace among locals and tourists in Weihai.

In April this year, Jingyuan sub-district launched a campaign to transform and upgrade Beigou Dongjie, improve both physical and digital infrastructure, and enhance the travel experience.

Local authorities have said that the overall transformation is themed around "whale searching," integrating the history of Jingyuan, and blending traditional culture with fresh art. Meanwhile, as the original appearance of the old street is preserved, alleys are being integrated in terms of business formats, further strengthening road repairs and wall decorations, implementing greening, lighting, and landscape renovations, enhancing the quality of the neighborhood, and revitalizing the old street.

The transformation has also included the establishment of a tourist service center at Beigou Dongjie Park, with a focus on providing convenient services for incoming tourists, such as luggage storage, recommending travel routes, and offering tourism information services, further enhancing the functionality of the old street.

"About 90 percent of the transformation has been completed so far. In the future, we will introduce a park wish wall, garbage houses, and more, transforming the entire street area into a completely new landscape," explained a person in charge of Jingyuan sub-district. Upon the project's completion, Beigou Dongjie will become a boutique tourist area integrating leisure, dining, shopping, accommodation, and more, welcoming people from near and far.