Among the cities in China, Tianjin is the only city with a precise date of establishment in ancient China. On December 23, 1404, the Ming Emperor Chengzu Zhu Di established a garrison in Zhizhu, and named it "Tianjin" due to its location at the intersection of important waterways, which means "the ferry where the emperor passed". As the name implies, it was the ferry crossed by the emperor.

Tianjin has a long history, and its cultural and historical significance has continued to this day. As one of the "Ten Scenic Spots in Tianjin", Tianjin Ancient Culture Street houses nearly 100 shops and is a hub for time-honored brands and folk handicraft shops in Tianjin.

On New Year's Day, 1986, Tianjin Ancient Culture Street was first opened to the public under its new name, and since then, it has become a festive and entertaining place for Tianjin residents and tourists from other places.

Zhu Yang, Dean of the Cultural Heritage Conservation Institute of Tianjin University Research Institute of Architectural Design and Urban Planning, said, "Tianjin flourished under the dual influence of the Grand Canal and Haihe River, featuring water transport and maritime shipping."

Tianjin Ancient Culture Street in Nankai District is located between the old city of Tianjin and Haihe River. Two tributaries of the Grand Canal converge in Tianjin, and this is the cradle of Tianjin.

Zhu Yang said that the block was first formed during the Jin and Yuan dynasties, and the Temple of the Queen of Heaven is the evidence. The Temple of the Queen of Heaven, built in the Yuan Dynasty, is the core structure of the block.

In ancient times, cities mainly had administrative and military functions, while vibrant commercial areas were located outside the city walls, especially near the confluence of waterways surrounding the city. By the Ming and Qing dynasties, the Ancient Culture Street area had become a major gathering place for merchants.

When the Tianjin Ancient Culture Street project was launched in 1985, the focus was on preserving local historical relics, transforming contemporary buildings, and embodying the simplicity, elegance, and traditional style of Tianjin's architectural style.

Zhang Hongpeng, Director of the Ancient Culture Street Management Committee, said, "More than 600 years of history have shaped Tianjin's unique architectural style, which seamlessly blends the past and present, the East and the West, showcasing unique folk customs on festive occasions and a rich cultural heritage in daily life, whether it is food, clothing, or household items."

He said, "The Haihe River has witnessed centuries of water transport history. Tianjin Ancient Culture Street is the cultural symbol of the city, centering on time-honored brands, handicrafts, specialties, and folk culture in Tianjin."

In 2007, Ancient Culture Street was rated as one of China's first batch of 5A-level tourist attractions and currently boasts 200,000 square meters of various commercial and cultural venues.

Tianjin Ancient Culture Street is a hub for time-honored folk handicraft shops in Tianjin, gathering numerous intangible cultural heritage brands. Its main attractions include the Temple of the Tianhou Temple, Yuhuang Temple, Tongqingli, Theater Building, and Folk Culture Museum.

As one of the persons in charge of the upgrade project of Ancient Culture Street, Zhu Yang said that every planning iteration prioritizes the protection of historical buildings and the original layout of the block, focusing on using these buildings to accommodate tourism, culture, commerce, and folk activities.

Zhu Yang added, "Historical and cultural blocks should reflect authentic history, well-preserved appearances, and connections with contemporary life, while also ensuring high-quality experiences for residents, shopkeepers, and tourists."

Zhang Hongpeng, Director of the Management Committee, said that the goal of the Management Committee is to establish the block as a platform for displaying and promoting traditional Chinese culture.

Zhang Hongpeng said, "We will organize more activities to showcase traditional culture, folklore, and the essence of Tianjin to enrich people's lives. We will attract more intangible cultural heritage elements and time-honored brands to open branches here, allowing more young people to see firsthand how traditions are passed down."