Pingtan is an island off E China's Fujian province. The Ancient Street of Pingtan is the root that chronicles the genesis of this city. In the neighborhood, you'll find temples aplenty, namely, the Five Blessings Temple and the Land God Temple. On the foreheads of these temples, the words “So-and-So Territory” are engraved. There are "Thirteen Territories" on the street. They are thirteen areas altogether in the neighborhood. A temple god who is considered the ruler and protector is enshrined in each territory. Piecing up these territories together unveils the mystery to the past and present of this old street.

One of the temples called “Fuxing First Territory” is located at No.60-1 Xiazhi Street. Evolving from the influence of a fine lineage of traditional Chinese architecture, Fuxing is the symbol of magnificence. The four-cornered cornices are like birds spreading their wings, giving a sense of upward movement. There are exquisite dragon carvings on the eaves. On the bluestone walls of the temple, painted three-dimensional reliefs of mountains, rivers, lakes, seas, birds, beasts, fish, and insects are vivid. At the corner of the wall, a three-character inscription "Ferry Head" is eye-catching, a reminiscence of the past glory.

In the 1930s, the government got down to renovating the ancient street. The 100-meter-long brick-walled arcade was built, standing out among the blocks.

Revisiting the street, you’ll be overwhelmed by the quaint atmosphere. On both sides of the street are neatly arranged southern Fujian-style red brick buildings. These charming ancient houses are ingenious in structure and exquisite in carvings.

Time has passed, and prosperity has faded. The streets grow old as people do. The hustle and bustle that once echoed here have long disappeared, and the ancient street is drifting away from its“salad days”. Nevertheless, every city has its history, and the ancient streets are full of unique historical imprints.

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