Qilou Old Street: A blend of history and flavor

en.hainan.gov.cn

Updated: 2025-06-24

Qilou Old Street in Haikou, capital of Hainan province [Photo/VCG]

Qilou Old Street, a cultural emblem of Haikou, condenses the century-long history of this city. Here, urban heritage harmonizes with bustling market scenes and innovative business models intertwine with centuries-old heritage, weaving a tapestry of coexistence and prosperity between the "old" and the "new" in the culture and tourism industry.

Qilou Old Street, whose history traces back to the Southern Song Dynasty (1127-1279), was among the first streets that were recognized as "Famous Historical and Cultural Streets in China” in 2009. In the 1920s and 1930s, overseas Hainan residents returning from their ventures in nanyang (Southeast Asia) constructed arcade buildings blending Chinese, Western and Nanyang styles in blocks around Deshengsha Lu, Zhongshan Lu and Boai Lu.

But through the passage of time, Qilou Old Street lost its former splendor. Now, after years of systematic restoration by the Haikou government, the old street has been rejuvenated. The area now boasts a rich mix of businesses, including department stores, restaurants, hotels, handicrafts and more.

Shops line both sides of the street, offering a variety of goods, such as crafts made of pear wood and aloe wood, coffee and local snacks like herbal desserts, with Tianhou Palace and the Hainan Intangible Cultural Heritage Art Museum adding to the charm.

The historical brilliance of the old street shines brightly alongside the vibrant new look of the old street. In this collision of old and new, visitors feel the vibrant vitality of Haikou's arcade architecture.

The old street remains "ageless", embracing novelty and trends. In recent years, Haikou Qilou Old Street has undergone development and renovation thanks to support from government departments at various levels. Several large parking lots have been built, and diverse storefronts have opened, receiving domestic and foreign tourists.

chinanews.com.cn contributed to the story.