A visitor takes photos of a cultural installation at a shopping street in Wuhan, Hubei province. [WU YONG/CHINA DAILY]

　　In Wuhan's Tanhualin historic quarter, a former residence now stages comedy shows and children's theater, while heritage buildings have been converted into museums, and small shops sell products inspired by local culture.

　　The new uses are giving old buildings a fresh lease on life, while bringing growing numbers of visitors into the streets that are home to local residents in this part of Central China's Hubei province.

　　Located in the city's Wuchang district, Tanhualin received 12.18 million visits in 2025, according to its operator. Conservation work began in 2005, with historic buildings and public spaces gradually restored and opened to cultural and commercial activities.

　　For shop owner Zhai Shasha, however, the appeal of a historic address was only part of the reason for setting up business there.

　　When she opened Chuhan Zaowu, a cultural products shop, in January 2025, local authorities helped her secure premises at below-market rent. The business also received support through promotional events and government purchases of gifts.

　　"The most direct help was getting us noticed," Zhai said.

　　Such support has helped new businesses take root alongside the restoration program, adding cultural and commercial vitality to the historic quarter.

　　The wider Tanhualin historic quarter covers about 1.02 square kilometers. Its streetscape reflects a mixture of Chinese and Western architectural influences, with former educational, medical and religious institutions among the buildings that have survived.