An old factory compound in Quanzhou City of east China's Fujian Province has been transformed into a popular art zone, attracting tourists seeking enjoyable activities and leisurely experiences.
The Yuanhe 1916 art zone, redeveloped from the original factory compound site, now blends various business formats such as culture and art, creative design, and tourism and leisure.
On weekends and holidays, the art zone buzzes with tourists who enjoy strolling through the streets, photographing the historic buildings, exploring trendy products in cultural and creative shops, and relaxing in cafes.
"I find this place incredibly creative and beautiful. These were once abandoned factories, but the murals on the exterior walls have given them a completely new look," said Zhao Dongmao, a tourist.
"Its architecture and style are quite unique, and there are a wide range of activities to enjoy," said Zhang Shanhong, another tourist.
The renovation of the art zone is structured in four phases, with an expanded theme park completed and opened to the public earlier this year.
Currently, the art zone accommodates over 200 companies, combining elements of culture and art, creative design, tourism and leisure, and technology incubation, with cultural and creative enterprises accounting for two-thirds of the total.
"We have preserved some original architectural features, so that tourists can experience both the original old buildings and the new modern additions," said Fu Yuqi, deputy general manager of the art zone.
During this year's Spring Festival holiday, the art zone attracted 44,000 visitors, an increase of more than 83 percent from the same period last year.
Old factory compound in east China city turns into popular art zone
Spanish students have expressed their expectation that a healthy China-U.S. economic and trade relationship will inject greater stability into the global economy and create greater opportunities for Spain.
On Sunday, Chinese and U.S. delegations convened in Paris, France for talks on economic and trade issues. Guided by the consensus reached by the two heads of state in Busan and their subsequent phone talks, the two sides will conduct consultations on economic and trade matters of mutual concern.
Ahead of the talks, members of the public in Madrid, Spain, shared their views on China–U.S. economic and trade relations with China Media Group (CMG). They agreed that reaching an agreement between the world’s two largest economies would have a direct impact on the global landscape.
"They are the two countries that contribute the most economically, in a manner of speaking, to the rest of the countries. They are major importers and exporters. So I think that a satisfactory relationship between them can be very beneficial for all other countries," said Claudia, an engineering student.
Noting that both sides are important trading partners of Spain, the interviewees stated that a healthy, stable and sustainable China-U.S. economic and trade relationship also affects various aspects of the Spanish society, and that agreements between the two countries would help promote Spain's economic growth.
"I do think that it could have a certain effect on the Spanish economy, both in terms of prices, and I would dare say employment as well. Because I think that if those two great powers reach an agreement, Spain could also get in on the action. It would create quite a few jobs in Chinese and American multinationals for all Spaniards," said Claudia.
"Spain is caught in the middle; it has good relations with both the U.S. and China. If it gets on the bad side of either one, it could be hit hard, because Spain mainly relies on tourism -- well, other things too, but essentially tourism, construction and agriculture. It's very important to have more help and trade with all countries around the world," said Denis, a law student.
Spanish students say stable China-US ties benefit global economy
