As a cultural district with a long history, Gu Yi Street is positioned as one of Tianjin's ten featured pedestrian malls in the process of being upgraded and reformed. It aims to create "culture with Tianjin's characteristics" exemplified by a combination of tourism, sightseeing, entertainment and shopping.

Combining its original architectural style, the reformed Gu Yi Street is both ancient and elegant. The magnificent archways and the chessboard-like windows and doors make a perfect combination. The ancient buildings such as Qianxiangyi and Ruifuxiang stores (the top two of the 8 silk stores in China) have been completely preserved.

Additionally, a series of famous old brands like "Zhang's muddy men", "Wei county's paper cutting", "Ear-piercing", "Zheng Xing De". "Tong Sheng He" have been introduced after its upgrade and reformation. In order to further explore and exhibit "the culture with Tianjin’s characteristics", Gu Yi Street indicates that it will forge a unique “peddling culture” featuring commercial and tourism and facilitating the reappearance of over 1300 kinds of "peddling culture".

Edited by Wang Yifei and Brian Anthony Salter