Mengzi City is an important birthplace of modern civilization in Yunnan Province, carrying a long history and rich culture, and still retains relatively complete historical buildings and traditional streets and alleys. In recent years, with the acceleration of urbanization, Mengzi City has integrated historical and cultural protection with urban construction and development through urban renewal and revitalization, and injected modern elements into the historical and cultural connotation of the Dongdajie Historical and Cultural District while retaining it, so that it can radiate new vitality.
Mengzi East Street, an ancient neighborhood that has carried more than 740 years of vicissitudes, has witnessed the hard work and commercial prosperity of the people of Mengzi. From ancient times to the present, it has always been a prosperous area with dense population, thriving commerce and trade, and frequent exchanges, and contains a rich historical and cultural heritage. In 2021, the Dongdajie Historical and Cultural District was rated as a provincial-level historical and cultural block. Today, the neighborhood renewal project is in full swing, and every alley, every building, and every tree has been carefully protected and renovated.
The collision, integration and symbiosis of the ancient and the modern are the most touching aspects of Mengzi City's renovation project of the historical and cultural district of Dongdajie. Mengzi City fully respects history, respects the original architectural style and street pattern of the block, retains historical buildings and historical resources such as the Confucian Temple, Kuixing Pavilion, South American Cafe, and ancient trees, and supplements the excavation, protection, display and utilization of history and culture, so that it radiates new vitality and vitality. At the same time, it will increase functional implantation, improve the infrastructure of historical and cultural blocks, and enhance the functionality and comfort of blocks. In addition, the introduction of a modern business model will attract more tourists and businesses to visit and operate, injecting new economic vitality into the neighborhood.
Peng Shiyao, from the operation department of the East Street Historical and Cultural District Renovation Project, said: "East Street is a historical and cultural walking block with the theme of 'Southwest Associated University'. The project is located at the former site of the Southwest Associated University of Nanhu in Mengzi City, covering East Street, Confucian Temple Lane, Wumiao Lane and other block sections, with a total of 6 major themes. Through the re-excavation, protection and display of local culture, we will create a youth vitality block integrating 'culture, commerce, tourism, sports, learning, innovation, socialization and entertainment'. ”
It is worth mentioning that the renovation project of the historical and cultural block of Dongdajie takes "Southwest Associated University" as the theme, which not only demonstrates the deep respect for history, but also a vivid inheritance of the spirit of Southwest Associated University. In 1938, the School of Arts and the School of Law and Business of Southwest Associated University moved to Mengzi to run a school, and established the Mengzi branch of Southwest Associated University. The renovation project of the historical and cultural district of Dongdajie skillfully combines the spirit of Southwest Associated University with the patriotic feelings of contemporary youth, creating a unique cultural atmosphere that blends history and modernity. Here, you can deeply understand the spirit of Southwest Associated University and feel the breath of history and the pulse of culture by participating in various theme activities.
It is understood that the renovation area of the East Street Historical and Cultural District project is about 7,200 square meters, and the operating area is about 6,000 square meters. At present, the construction progress of the project is 70%, and the once prosperous old street will be lively again in the near future, becoming a new landmark showing the charm and heritage of Mengzi.
Reporter: Chen Huaying, Zhao Fanya
Editor: Xiao Jinlan
Review: Wang Liping, Li Qing