Hongjiang ancient commercial town, a scenic spot with a history of more than 500 years, is becoming a popular attraction in Huaihua city, Hunan province.

Known as "the main entrance to Hunan and Hubei provinces", Huaihua has made great progress in its tourism industry in recent years, according to the local government.

Official statistics show the number of tourists to the city reached 20 million in 2012, an increase of 23 percent compared to the previous year.

The tourism development not only boosts the city's economic growth, but also enables more visitors to have an exciting glimpse into traditional Chinese culture, officials said.

"Our city is full of beautiful historical sites, and that's why it attracts a large number of visitors from China and abroad every year," they said.

Hongjiang ancient town, along with many other local attractions such as Longxing Lecture Temple and the Qiancheng Hibiscus Building, is rich in history and cultural heritage.

The town took shape in the Tang Dynasty (AD 618-907) and flourished during the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1911) dynasties. Today, the legacy includes a large number of ancient buildings including residences, banks, shops, temples, opium dens and factories.

The town has preserved more than 380 ancient structures that cover a combined area of 100,000 square meters, according to the local government.

The buildings still standing are vivid reminders of the lifestyles of the ancient Chinese, said professor Luo Zhewen from the State Administration of Cultural Heritage.

"The town itself is a large museum because it reflects every aspect of Chinese society during the Ming and Qing dynasties," said Luo.

Longxing Lecture Temple is also a famous attraction in Huaihua. Dating back more than 1,370 years, it is considered one of the oldest academies in the world.

According to local government records, some of the most well-known literati in the Ming Dynasty, such as Dong Qichang and Wang Yangming, visited the temple.

Qiancheng Hibiscus Building, which is located near the Wushui River, also attracted famous scholars in Chinese history.

Poet Wang Changling of the Tang Dynasty often hosted banquets and wrote poems with his friends in the building, officials said. Known as "No 1 scenic spot in upper Hunan", it is surrounded by multiple ancient pavilions and gardens.

"Many historic cities have given way to modernization, but Huaihua people believe that the heritage should be well protected," officials said.

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