A sightseeing boat sails at Yuehe historical area, Nanhu District, Jiaxing of east China's Zhejiang Province, April 26, 2024. (Xinhua/Jiang Han)

Yuehe historical area in Jiaxing of east China's Zhejiang Province, which covers an area of 90,000 square meters, could date back to the Ming and Qing dynasties (1368-1911). With the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal, Waiyue river and Liyue river flowing through, the area is the most complete and largest historical area in Jiaxing City that can best showcase the residential and cultural characteristics of the water town in "Jiangnan," the scenic region south of the Yangtze River.

This combo photo shows a view of Yuehe historical area in 1979 (L, photo by Pang Yiying) and people visiting the area on April 26, 2024 (by Xinhua photographer Jiang Han) in Nanhu District, Jiaxing of east China's Zhejiang Province. (Xinhua)

Since 2003, various measures were taken to regain the prosperity of the area. More than 80,000 square meters of traditional residential buildings were restored in traditional style, and a tourism industry has been developed taking advantages of local historical heritages.

Tourists take a rest and taste tea at Yuehe historical area, Nanhu District, Jiaxing of east China's Zhejiang Province, April 26, 2024. (Xinhua/Xu Yu)

Nowadays, Yuehe historical area is welcoming about 5 million tourists a year and becomes a popular tourist attraction in the region.

Editor: Cheng Dengyu