New Look for the Century Old Shopping Street: Wanlimiao Pedestrian Street in Shijiazhuang Becomes Chic

Dance show performed by dancers from all over the country. [Photo by Li Pengru]

Other live performances [Photo by Li Pengru]

According to Wang Lei, the Director of Management Committee of Minzu Road Pedestrian Street, Xinhua District, Wanlimiao Pedestrian Street is the oldest pedestrian street in Shijiazhuang since the opening of Zhengtai Railway over a hundred years ago. In July 2020, Wanlimiao Pedestrian Street was listed in the second batch of reconstruction project for national pedestrian streets, among all 23 blocks nationwide. In October 2021, Xinhua district started the reconstruction and upgrading project. It was completed by the end of June 2022. The trial operation was started on July 1, and was officially opened at the end of September.

Digital firework show at Wanlimiao Pedestrian Street [Photo by Li Pengru]

Dance Performance at Shuimu Square [Photo by Li Pengru]

There are some scenic landmarks alongside the 1080-meter-long Wanlimiao Pedestrian Street, such as digital firework show, LED sky curtain, Shuilinglong, etc. This street has created a modern and international public space through different forms of display, such as scenic landmarks with the help of multi-media and live performances. Meanwhile, nearly 60,000 square meters of surrounding commercial areas are available for investment. Up to now, many enterprises have been introduced, including foreign import and export exhibitions, themed catering, leisure and entertainment, time-honored brands, electronic entertainment, etc.