Hekou ancient town in Xigu district, Lanzhou, Gansu province [Photo by Wang Xiaohua]

The Tourism and Leisure Block of Hekou Ancient Town in Xigu district, Lanzhou, Gansu province, was recently selected onto the list of the second batch of national tourism and leisure blocks.

This news is recognition of its achievements in protecting its rich history, culture and clusters of ancient architecture.

Hekou ancient town is located on the north bank of the Yellow River, and is one of the four famous ferry crossings in the upper reaches. The estuary has been an important pass leading to the Hexi Corridor, and connecting the Silk Road and the Tang-Tibetan Ancient Road.

At present, the town has preserved more than 200 dwellings of the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1911) dynasties, and a large number of cultural relics, such as martial arts stones, nether millstones, and wooden plaques bestowed by the Emperor.