Meiwang Old Street

Meiwang Old Street

Meiwang Old Street derives its name from the ancient practice of planting plum blossoms here and its location by a bend of the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal. It is one of the few remaining traditional residential and commercial districts in Jiaxing that showcases the local characteristics of the Jiangnan region, featuring a strong late Qing and early Republican architectural style. Since ancient times, thanks to its advantageous position along both waterways and land routes, Meiwang Street was historically a gathering place for merchants in Jiaxing, where the city’s main rice and silk markets were once concentrated.

“Merchants and travelers came and went in an endless stream” is a true reflection of the prosperity of Meiwang Street. The street mirrors the historical and cultural evolution of Jiaxing, embodying the essence of the city’s traditional heritage.

In advancing the development of Jiaxing as a “Historic and Cultural Water Town,” building a “City of Culture,” and creating a “Humanistic Jiaxing,” the Jiaxing Municipal Party Committee and Municipal Government have prioritized the preservation and development of Meiwang Street as a key project on their agenda.

The newly opened Meiwang district has a total investment of 480 million yuan, covering an area of 100,000 square meters. It consists of the Meiwang Food City, Meiwang New World, Meiwang Commercial Street, Meiwang Old Street, and Meiwang Business District. The old street still retains a number of classical buildings rich in Jiangnan charm. The historic houses built along the lake not only offer views of the scenic Southwestern Lake but also serve as picturesque sights for visitors.

Meiwang Street preserves numerous renowned historical and cultural sites and former residences of notable figures, including the Memorial Hall of Shen Junru, the Exhibition Room of Chu Fucheng’s Historical Materials, the Shelter of Kim Koo, the former refuge site of key members of the Provisional Government of Korea, as well as the soon-to-be-restored former residences of Shakespeare translator Zhu Shenghao and hydraulic engineer Wang Huzhen. The street now hosts over 100 businesses, featuring century-old establishments such as silk shops, antique stores, and craft workshops. It also offers a variety of tourist attractions, including a wedding customs museum, root carving gallery, shadow puppet theater, and storytelling venue, making it the largest historical and cultural leisure district in Jiaxing to date.

The Meiwang Business District is scheduled to open to the public in October 2007. It was renovated in the 13th year of the Republic of China (1924) and has undergone multiple repairs after the founding of the People’s Republic of China.

The current shrine houses no statues. It covers an area of over 50 square meters and stands 12 meters high, with upturned double eaves. Stone steps lead up to the corridor from both the north and south sides, giving it the appearance of a palatial pavilion structure. To the south of the shrine lies a pond, flanked by pathways that separate the lake surface from the pond. To the south of the pond, lush flowers and trees thrive, and the famous Wujiao Stone stands prominently facing south, exuding a majestic presence. The stone is three meters tall and two meters wide. It is also said to be known as the “Snake-Coiled Stone,” frequently mentioned in historical texts. Ancient people praised its striking shape, describing it as “glaring with clawing gestures” or “like a hungry dragon dancing in a ravine.” Legend has it that the stone dates back to the Tang Dynasty, while others claim it is a remnant of flower-patterned stones from the late Northern Song Dynasty. The stone bears two seal script characters: “Wu Jiao” (Dancing Dragon). Originally located in Puyuan, it was moved to downtown Jiaxing during the Ming Dynasty. After enduring many changes, it was relocated to the island in front of Daniantang at Dongmen in 1953. To the south of the Wujiao Stone, willows shade the path, and pavilions stand by the water, creating a serene and expansive atmosphere.

To the north of the island lies Lakeside Park, connected by a zigzag bridge. Established in 1959, the park spans over 20 acres, with lush trees and green grass. Pavilion structures by the lake offer visitors a peaceful and refreshing place to relax. Meiwang Old Street has now become a cultural and architectural gem reminiscent of Xitang.