The imperial street was
built for the exclusive
use of the emperor, that
extended from the
imperial Palace’s Grand
Gate to the outside of
the city wall. The
street was over 5km
long, and was lined on
both sides by beautiful
ancient architecture.
The new Song imperial
Street (Songjie),
recreating, in
miniature, the original
route, is built partly
on the original site of
the Palace. The street
is only 400 meters long,
on the northern section
of Zhongshan Lu, and was
designed in 1988 in an
attempt by the
authorities to restore
the glorious past of
Kaifeng.
The street is entered by
an arch at the southern
end, and is clustered
with shops and
restaurants, including a
couple of good art and
nice curio shops. Most
of the commodities sold
here are travelers’
souvenirs such as Henan
specialties, artifacts,
calligraphy, New Year
pictures and traditional
paintings. All of the
shopping assistants are
dressed in traditional
Song Dynasty costume. |