Upgraded Cao Zhuangyuan Street nears debut

An artist's impression of the soon-to-be-opened Cao Zhuangyuan Street. [Photo/Nanming Media Center]

The meticulously constructed Cao Zhuangyuan Street in Nanming district in Guiyang city is set to begin its trial operation in the near future.

The street is named after Cao Weicheng, a military zhuangyuan during the 43rd year of Emperor Kangxi's reign in the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). Zhuangyuan refers to candidates who finished in the top tier over the years in the annual national-level recruitment exams for officials in ancient China.

It has a rich historical background. The Cao family produced three generations of military masters: Cao Weicheng himself; Cao's father, Cao Yuansu; and his son, Cao Shiqing.

Three generations of literary success have made this family the talk of the town for over 300 years, and this continues to be the street's proudest achievement.

In November 2022, the ground was officially broken on an urban renewal project for Cao Zhuangyuan Street.

An artist's impression of the soon-to-be-opened Cao Zhuangyuan Street. [Photo/Nanming Media Center]

The project mainly involves the rehabilitation of worn-down residential areas, the construction of characteristic streets, and the careful restoration of key protected cultural destinations.

The main areas of focus include the enhancement and transformation of several old courtyards, as well as the creation of three featured streets: Cao Zhuangyuan Street, Nanheng Street, and Xiahuguo Road.

While inheriting this historical context and preserving city memories, the project aims to facilitate block function transformation, industrial transition, and boost the area's vitality.

The final goal is to create a unique area integrating zhuangyuan culture, wine drinking culture, and other local elements to offer an immersive cultural, creative, and experience-based leisure area.