The bustling Zhongshan Pedestrian Street in the coastal city of Xiamen in East China's Fujian province was included in the second batch of national nighttime culture and tourism consumption projects, according to a list released by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.

As one of Xiamen's old business areas, which is located in Siming district, the street is a major commercial area and is full of locals, tourists, shops and supermarkets.

Along the street, most buildings with two or three stories boast interesting histories that date back to the 1920s. These structures, known as qilou, or arcade-houses, are in line with the design and ideas that many returning overseas Chinese carried with them from their travels in Southeast Asia. There are also many cultural and historic sites like churches and former residences of celebrities and historical figures along the street.

In recent years, the local government has beefed up efforts to promote the integrated development of business, culture and tourism in the business area by launching renovation projects to preserve and protect the history of the old business area as well as its modern style.

The lights of the bustling Zhongshan Pedestrian Street in Siming district light up the sky, offering a tantalizing glimpse into the city's nightlife. [Photo/WeChat account: Xiamen Daily]