Liuxiang

Liuxiang is a well-known shopping street in Taiyuan. It has three busy pedestrian streets: Tongluowan, Zhonglou, and Shipin Street. Located downtown, this spot has been a center of trade for over 300 years. It hosts one of China's four largest night markets. This market is North China's biggest. Daily, about 200,000 visitors come here.

Highlights of Liuxiang

Zhonglou Pedestrian Street

The Zhonglou Street is the core of Taiyuan's ancient city. This historic street began in the Song and Yuan dynasties. Originally named Dongmen Zhengjie (East Gate Main Street), it was renamed Zhonglou Street after a clock tower was constructed there in the early Ming Dynasty. Rebuilt based on historical records and visual materials, the present clock tower stands 25.89 metres in height. After being redone in 2021, most buildings on Zhonglou Street look like those from the Republic of China. Each has its own style. Some were rebuilt or fixed on the basis of a hundred-year-old building. Like history frozen in time, these buildings carry the historical memories of Taiyuan. This place is also where intangible heritage projects and their inheritors meet. Such as the Yuanxiao making at Hengyi Cheng Mouse Cave, or the jasmine tea blending, processing, and packing at Qianhexiang Tea House.

Tongluowan Night Market

The Tongluowan Night Market first came up at the end of 2005. It was open from 5 pm to 2 am the next day. At busy times, more than 200,000 people visited every day. It was the biggest night market in North China. The market had two main parts: food stalls and general merchandise. There were many kinds of food. Prices were low. For around 20 to 30 yuan, visitors could try several local foods. People coming to Taiyuan for business or travel would go there. They wanted to feel the real local culture. Now, the Tongluowan Night Market is still lively. Young people like to go there when they visit the Liuxiang shopping area.

Shipin Pedestrian Street

Shipin Pedestrian Street is the oldest special street in Liuxiang. This area has been the shopping center of Taiyuan since the Song Dynasty. The street underwent a big renovation by Yingze District in 2012. All the buildings were redone in old Ming and Qing styles. Walking here makes people feel like going back to old China. The renewed Food Street is 552 meters long. It is 10 meters wide and has over 120 shops. Visitors can try local foods from all over Shanxi. The street often has culture shows and Jin Opera plays. This lively place mixes eating, sightseeing, shopping, and fun. It has both exhibition areas and attractions. Being Taiyuan's popular shopping street, it is a night spot. People enjoy eating, walking, and relaxing here. Food Street is a symbol of Taiyuan's city image.

Educational Value

In Shipin Pedestrian Street and Tongluowan Night Market, visitors can try many real Shanxi snacks. These snacks have special tastes and traditional ways of making. They are an important part of Shanxi's food culture. Besides the food, there are old places near Liuxiang. One is Chunyang Palace. During the Spring Festival, Taoist activities take place there. Visitors can also watch local Jin opera shows.

Activities to do at Liuxiang

Special Cultural Activities: Zhonglou Pedestrian Street holds special cultural activities often. Visitors can try different traditional Shanxi crafts there. Examples include making oil-paper umbrellas and shining lacquer items. Visitors might also see artists create beautiful Shanxi embroidery pieces. If interested, check the official website. It shows activity dates and available craft experiences.

Chunyang Palace Temple Fair: Every Spring Festival, Chunyang Palace holds a temple fair and performs Jin opera to pray for good luck in the coming year. Here, visitors can see how Chinese Taoism conducts traditional Taoist altar-opening ceremonies, experience unique Taoist culture, and enjoy wonderful Jin opera performances.