In recent years, Wuhan's various districts have been striving to increase the level of opening-up by developing brands with distinctive features. To help our readers better understand this, more effectively tell Wuhan stories to the world, and celebrate the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC) with practical action, we are launching a series of bilingual reports related to "One District, One Brand." In this report, we take a look at Jianghan District which is known as "the utmost prosperous location in the state of Chu."
A model demonstration district for the comprehensive reform of the national service industry
Wuhan Business and Trade Financial Zone
Is this the Jianghan District of your imagination? Do you know about its century-old prosperity?
In the wondrous Jianghan District, Jianghan Road Pedestrian Street stands out because of its dazzling riches. A well-known business street with a century-old history, it is a national demonstration pedestrian street. The remarkable street has been a witness to the integration of the past and the present, the clash between the traditional and the modern, and the connection between China and the world.
A witness to the opening of the commercial port in Hankou and other significant historical moments, Jianghan Road has a profound cultural and historical legacy. Its ups and downs over the past century are an epitome of Wuhan's modern history. With buildings of European Roman, Byzantine, and Renaissance styles around the street, this area has been described as "Wuhan's 20th century architectural museum." The classical Hankou Customs House is solemn and elegant. The Roman style Riqing International Firm Building, which is stately in appearance, has exquisite and marvelous decorations on the façade. Each and every modern building is like a unique artifact waiting quietly for passersby to discover and explore their beauty beneath a century of weathering.
"Front Hualou Street leads to Back Hualou Street. It meets the broad road through Xinsheng Street. Horses and carriages shuttle back and forth and pedestrians squeeze by. Late at night, songs and laughter never seem to end." This poem depicts the superb business atmosphere in the area at that time. As the earliest business area after the port opening and as Wuhan's first business pedestrian street, Jianghan Road has set many No. 1 records including introducing the first lot of famous international brands in Central China. It has become a fashion trend indicator of the city.
It is a misconception to view Jianghan Road as only a good place for shopping and dining. Come and visit the Wuhan Jianghan Road World Pavilion, the first national "Belt and Road" themed pavilion. On its three floors it has a cultural exchange demonstration zone, an international economic cooperation onsite exchange zone, an imported commodities display zone, and an online interactive experience zone, showcasing unique regional cultural and tourist resources, and the science and technologies of different countries. From time to time, the pavilion organizes cultural exchange activities, and invites famous artists to give lectures or performances as well as experts to interpret Wuhan's local culture. It is also a platform where foreign participants and visitors can learn about Chinese language, culture, and lifestyle.
The Jianghan District government will continue to develop its district-featured foreign affairs work, hold on to opportunities of Belt and Road, and promote the in-depth integration of foreign-oriented economy, trade, capital, and publicity. Relying on its political, economic, and cultural advantages, it will build itself into a business cluster and a zone with its cultural features and all-round functions where multiple elements co-exist. The district will choose the best suitable way of development, enhance its capacity for international exchanges, and compose a new chapter in the process of opening up.
