Gaochun Old Street, also known as Chunxi Old Street, was officially established as a market street during the Song Dynasty and boasts a history of over 900 years. Most of the existing buildings date back to the Ming and Qing Dynasties. The street is located adjacent to Guanxi River to the south and connects to Gucheng Lake to the east. The main street runs east-west, stretching over 800 meters in length. The area preserves well-maintained ancient Huizhou-style architecture. The street's central pathway is paved with horizontal pink rouge stones, while the sides feature longitudinal bluestone slabs. Lined with traditional black-tiled, white-walled buildings, the street is bustling with shops, most of which are two-story structures with wooden facades.
Strolling along the old street, be sure to admire the exquisite wood carvings beneath the shop eaves and the elegant black-and-white floral patterns under the horse-head walls. The old street takes on a special charm on rainy days - rainwater dampens the smooth stone-paved road, wooden storefronts reveal deeper hues than on sunny days, and umbrella-carrying maidens passing by inevitably evoke images of the long, melancholic alley from Dai Wangshu's poem "Rainy Lane." Some attractions are located along the main street while others branch off onto side lanes, all clearly marked with directional arrows.
The main attractions from west to east include: the Qianlong Ancient Well, said to have been used by Emperor Qianlong during his third southern tour in 1762; the Guanwang Temple, built in 1489 during the Ming Dynasty, which honors loyal military figures like Zhang Fei, Li Jing, and Qi Jiguang; the Carving Exhibition Hall displaying wood, stone, and brick carvings; Yang Hall, originally the luxurious residence of Zhao Zhuang, Gaochun's wealthiest family; the Wu Clan Ancestral Hall (former headquarters of the New Fourth Army's First Detachment); a Jesus Church with traditional Chinese white walls and black tiles; the former site of the New Fourth Army's Gaochun Office; and the Gaochun Intangible Cultural Heritage Exhibition Hall, which introduces visitors to local opera, folk customs, handicrafts, and displays clothing and tools. Except for the Guanwang Temple, Carving Exhibition Hall, Yang Hall, New Fourth Army's Gaochun Office site, and Gaochun Intangible Cultural Heritage Exhibition Hall, all other attractions are free.
Among these, the Wu Clan Ancestral Hall located in the middle section of the old street is the most magnificent structure, originally built during the Qianlong era of the Qing Dynasty. The complex consists of three sections: the front section features a stage behind the main gate, while the central and rear halls are supported by precious nanmu wood pillars. The ancestral hall showcases an abundance of intricate wood carvings, particularly on the stage, which represent the finest examples of wood carving artistry on the old street. Dragons, phoenixes, lions, and scenes from folk tales are all vividly depicted.
On the eastern section of the old street, south of the Gaochun Intangible Cultural Heritage Exhibition Hall, there is a folk performance venue. Performances are usually only held during holidays like National Day. The shows mainly include Water Margin martial arts displays, Wuchang dance, large and small horse lantern dances, clam fairy dance, and local operas. Admission to the performances is free.
Shijiu Lake and the Qinhuai River are inextricably linked, belonging to the same water system. The area is abundant in fish, shrimp, river delicacies, and various aquatic vegetables, serving as a vital source of income for lakeside villagers since ancient times and a lifeline for the people of Nanjing. Hence, it is also known as "Nanjing's Little Kenting" and "Gaochun's Little Kamakura."
Li Bai once roamed here and composed a poem that reads: "The lake merges with boundless energy, its misty waves vast and endless. Turtles swim upon lotus leaves, while fish frolic among reed flowers."
