This photo taken on Aug. 21, 2023 shows part of buildings at the Qilou old street in Haikou, south China’s Hainan Province. (Xinhua/Yang Guanyu)
HAIKOU, August 27 (Xinhua) – The city of Haikou has been garnering attention for its captivating Qilou, or arcaded house, architectural style. A Qilou is distinguished by its ground-floor frontage arcade that invites pedestrians to traverse through its inviting passageways.
At the heart of Haikou lies China’s most extensive and remarkably preserved Qilou compound, a testament to the city’s architectural legacy. The significance of this compound was underscored when it secured a spot on the country’s inaugural list of historic streets, a designation bestowed by state authorities in 2009.
The majority of Qilou structures in Haikou were crafted during the early 1900s, a period enriched by the creative input of returned overseas Chinese. These individuals drew inspiration from the architectural aesthetics of Southeast Asia, a region that had once been their home. As a result, the Qilou compound showcases a captivating fusion of cultural influences.
The distinctive architectural flair of this compound has translated into its elevation as a premier tourist attraction in Haikou. Visitors are drawn to the allure of the Qilou’s design, a harmonious blend of historical significance and architectural ingenuity. Exploring the passageways of the Qilou compound offers a captivating journey through time, where each arcade tells a tale of the past.
As Haikou continues to embrace its heritage, the Qilou compound stands as a testament to the city’s commitment to preserving its architectural treasures and sharing them with the world.
This compound of unique building style has turned into a major tourist attraction in Haikou.
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