Song Dynasty Imperial Street

The original Song Dynasty Imperial Street was the very passage constructed for the emperor, and Kaifeng was the capital of the Northern Song Dynasty. It started from Xuande Gate of the Imperial Palace, via Zhou Bridge and Zhuqiu Gate, and ended at Nanxun Gate, totaling over ten li( Li is a Chinese unit of length(1/2 kilometer). Walking along the current street, at first sight, you can see the high horizontal tablets and shop signs. Watch these tablets and sighs closely, and you will find they are actually from the Song Dynasty’s historical recordings as well as the couplets hung on the sides of the gates of the shops. The shops in the current street mainly sell local products, traditional goods, and antiques.

The current Imperial Street was constructed on the relics of the original one, starting from Xinjie Mouth, ending at Wuzhao Gate, over 400 meters long. Although it is not as long as the original one, its large scale is rare at home. At the southern end of this street erects a tall memorial archway in front of which is a carved elephant ridden by a warrior with a spear in his hand. In this street, there are shops and stores which run local products, antiques, etc. Walking down this street reminds you of the prosperous scene of Kaifeng in the Song Dynasty.