From: Shenzhen Daily | Updated:2024-07-02
At the Zhongying Street in Yantian District, an ancient banyan tree stands rooted in Shenzhen while its canopy elegantly sprawls into Hong Kong. For over a century, commerce and trade have bloomed along the street much like this enduring tree.
Witness to history
Situated in Shatoujiao, the 250-meter-long Zhongying Street straddles the border between the Chinese mainland and Hong Kong, bearing witness to a pivotal chapter in Chinese history spanning more than a century.
On March 18, 1899, the border town Shatoujiao was divided into two parts — the Chinese section and the British section, according to the Convention for the Extension of Hong Kong Territory, a lease signed between the Qing Dynasty government and the U.K.
In the 1930s, local townsfolk began erecting stalls and engaging in business activities along the creek beds.
In 1978, the Shatoujiao Silk Flower Factory became the first Sino-foreign joint venture in the city.
Since the early 1980s, this street has attracted tourists from across the country because of its strategic location near Hong Kong and the allure of duty-free stores stocked with premium global merchandise at discounted prices. It has earned a reputation as a “shopping paradise.”
By the early 1990s, nearly 100,000 people had visited the street daily.
On July 1, 1997, Zhongying Street became the only street in China to implement the “one street, two systems” policy in the wake of Hong Kong’s return to the motherland.
At present, there are seven boundary markers on Zhongying Street. The distance between markers No. 1 and No. 7 is about 430 meters.
Revitalization brings charm
This January, a comprehensive renovation initiative led to the revitalization of the street, ushering in a wave of new restaurants and retail outlets with an authentic Hong Kong flair. Establishments like Beauty Lab, GOAT, Pastelaria Yeng Kee, and Mak Man Kee opened in the newly unveiled Qiaotou area as part of Phase I of the renovation.
Approximately 80% of these shops are from Hong Kong, and overseas brands such as GOAT and Kaihuang Durians are also present. Shoppers can now peruse a wider array of snacks, gifts, and trendy items.
Furthermore, the street’s operating hours have been extended until 10 p.m., bolstering its nightlife economy.
Mrs. Zhang, an employee at Yu Qin Chi — a Hong Kong-style milk tea brand imbued with intangible cultural heritage — revealed that a majority of the street’s residents are Hong Kong natives.
Yan, a staff member at Tai Qing Herbal Tea for over a month, noted, “Business has been brisk, especially during holidays when the store brims with tourists. The overall cleanliness and environment are commendable.”
Lam, a Hong Kong resident, frequents the street.
“I even procure vegetables here. The revamped area feels refreshing, distinct, and notably cleaner than before,” he said.
Familiar with the locale ambiance, Lam revealed plans to bring his friends to the street given its many attractions. However, he lamented the inconvenience faced by residents from other mainland cities, who are restricted from visiting only once every 30 days.
Pu, a tourist from East China’s Shandong Province, discovered Zhongying Street through the social media platform Xiaohongshu. Impressed by the distinctive Hong Kong ambiance, Pu shared, “The desserts and snacks here exude an unparalleled Hong Kong-inspired vibe. When my friends visit Shenzhen, I intend to revisit this street and immerse them in the local customs.”
Mrs. Hua, a server at Mak Man Kee — a storied Hong Kong brand and Michelin-acclaimed eatery — reflected on being a resident of the area for decades. She asserted, “The offerings here entice tourists to linger. Presently, more patrons gravitate towards the earlier established zone. However, I envision a surge of visitors exploring this new precinct.”
Resurgence in popularity
In the first quarter of this year, the street welcomed approximately 1.96 million visitors, marking a substantial 124.17% year-on-year increase, according to Shatoujiao authorities.
Additionally, Zhongying Street is endeavoring to facilitate cross-border retail by establishing an e-commerce base. Patrons can peruse goods in-person and then use their smartphones to reserve items sourced from the tax-free zone.
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