Amid the wave of consumption upgrading, how can urban spaces balance 'lively vibrancy' and 'fresh appeal'? On February 11, the media tour 'Vibrant Sichuan: A Glimpse of Progress' visited Neijiang to explore its innovative approaches to revitalizing consumption scenarios.

Folk performances are taking place in the leisure space "Han'an · Slow Time

Transformation: Vacant Land Blooms into a Slow-Living Oasis

Colorful shipping containers are artfully arranged, green lawns host camping areas, and the aroma of hotpot and barbecue fills the air from tiered terraces. On the 11th, the 30,000-square-meter multifunctional leisure space 'Han'an Slow Time' officially opened in Dongxing District, Neijiang, becoming a new hotspot for residents and tourists to bask in the sun, savor food, and enjoy riverside views. The site was packed with visitors; local delicacies such as fried rice cakes and grilled skewers sold briskly. On the central lawn stage, traditional folk performances like 'blowing out lanterns' drew tightly packed crowds.

Audience members watching folk performances

Just six months ago, this area was idle wasteland. 'Since 2025, Neijiang has advanced urban renewal and consumption-scenario development through precise planning of long-term vacant plots,' said Huang Zhonghua, Deputy Director of the Municipal Bureau of Commerce. Wang Yuxin, a native of Neijiang returning home for a visit, noticed a lack of refined slow-living spaces in the city and conceived the idea of integrating internet-famous elements and diverse business formats to create a leisure destination. Located between Xiejiahe Wetland Park and the Municipal Sports Center, the plot was promptly activated.

After more than half a year of development, 'Han'an Slow Time' opened as scheduled, attracting over 50 merchants. Yan Yanping, a son-in-law of a Neijiang family, sold more than 100 jianbing (Chinese crepes) on his stall's trial opening day, earning over 1,000 yuan. Xiao Kun, a post-90s entrepreneur, operates a 3,000-square-meter courtyard-style hotpot venue that serves over 30 tables daily, generating approximately 6,000 yuan in revenue. During the Spring Festival holiday, merchants stocked up to meet peak visitor demand. Wang Yuxin estimates the project will draw over 3 million annual visitors and generate 50 million yuan in yearly revenue, establishing itself as a new regional consumption growth engine.

The check-in area in 'Han'an · Slow Time

Revitalization: A Century-Old Street Rejuvenated Through 'Minimally Invasive' Upgrades

If 'Han'an Slow Time' represents a dramatic spatial transformation, the Sifangkuai neighborhood embodies the rebirth of a century-old street. That afternoon, the press delegation entered the district, where intangible cultural heritage exhibitions and folk performances unfolded in succession, drawing surging crowds through its alleys. Irregularly spaced buildings and clean streets framed ground-floor shops exuding warmth and vitality, while second-floor leisure spaces offered quiet comfort. Distinctive signage on Jiandao Street and vibrant murals attracted throngs of visitors eager to take photos.

The Courtyard Hearth at the leisure space 'Han'an Slow Time

Enclosed by Gongyuan Street and Zhongyang Road, Sifangkuai once served as Neijiang's core hub for government, finance, commerce, and culture. As the city's center shifted, the area faded due to traffic congestion, monotonous business offerings, and outdated infrastructure. "It used to be chaotic—crowded roads and poor conditions." recalled 66-year-old Liu Yuxian, who has lived there most of her life.

The Check-in Spot on Jiandao Street

In 2023, Neijiang launched an urban renewal initiative, designating Sifangkuai as a priority renovation zone. Adhering to the principle of 'micro-renovation and refined enhancement,' the project preserved historical textures while addressing infrastructural gaps and diversifying commercial offerings. The revitalized district debuted on December 31, 2025, blending retro hand-painted walls, dialect-themed graffiti, and time-honored local eateries—evoking nostalgia while attracting visitors. During the New Year holiday, it drew an average of 100,000 daily visitors, generating approximately 9 million yuan in consumption and reclaiming its 'golden era'.

The Four Squares Block is crowded with tourists

"The renewed old street has both lively charm and modern flair." said Liu Yuxian, who dressed up specially to pose for photos in a rickshaw, sending them to her family to 'persuade them to come back for the Lunar New Year'. She hopes more people will come see Neijiang's new transformations.

Aerial view of the Sifangkuai Block

【本文部分内容由AI辅助生成，特此声明。The author(s) generated part of the content in this work with the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI), which is hereby declared.】