The ancient cultural street is found on the west bank of the Haihe river in the Nankai district of Tianjin. The street unfolds like a page from the ancient Qing dynasty and diverges into several small alleys and pathways all as equally fascinating as the others. A vast archway greets visitors from both southern and northern entrances to this avenue which is about 687 metres and holds the Tianhou Palace as its centre piece. Built in the 1326 as a tribute to the goddess of the sea, it is also one of the three Mazu temples surviving in the world today and lately has also functioned as a museum for folk customs.
Walking along the street, it is almost impossible to take up everything at one glance. There is a strange picturesque grace in the entire town whose buildings with their blue bricks, red pillars, upturned roofs and fine paintings on their exteriors are a tapestry of the richness of ancient Chinese culture. Among the buildings the Yuhuang cabinet is the oldest structure in the region, while the Tong Qingly in the eastern end of the street is a vast building that unites both western and eastern elements. The streets are a haven for the tourists as a range of exotic Chinese items from the fineries of jade items to painted clay figures, painted potteries and fine artwork are offered in excellent bargains; while the occasional tea shop amidst these retail outlets gives you a taste of the local specialties and favourites like the glutinous cake and tea soup.
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