As China's leisure tourism market continues to thrive, tourist and leisure blocks with regional characteristics have become emerging cultural landmarks and tourism emblems of a city, showcasing urban charm while offering visitors a new weekend getaway.

Recently, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism announced the fourth batch of national-level tourist and leisure blocks, with six blocks in the Yangtze River Delta region on the list.

These blocks not only carry a profound historical and cultural heritage but also integrate modern leisure and entertainment elements, making them ideal destinations for experiencing the essence of a city.

Hengfu Music Block, Xuhui District, Shanghai

上海徐汇区 衡复音乐街区

Ti Gong

The Hengfu Music Block is one of the most vibrant hubs of Shanghai's music culture, home to the highest concentration of musical talent and performance venues. With its unique historical and cultural charm and rich musical resources, it stands out as one of the city's most distinctive blocks, where art and everyday life seamlessly blend.

Here, visitors can feel the stirring melodies of the national anthem at Nie Er Green Space, be captivated by the "art deco style + natural colors" of Changshu Garden, or enjoy running, playing, and basking in the sunlight at Donghu Green Space.

Strolling through the Hengfu Music Block offers a unique experience of the fusion of city life, architecture, music, culture and nature.

Location: The area is primarily enclosed by Fenyang Rd, Dongping Rd, Hengshan Rd, Wulumuqi Rd S. and Huaihai Rd M.

Panlong Tiandi, Qingpu District, Shanghai

上海青浦区 蟠龙天地街区

Imaginechina

Boasting a 50,000-square-meter open-air block, a vast 230,000-square-meter green space, and a 3-kilometer natural waterway, Panlong Tiandi is a unique destination that blends the essence of water town culture, artistic heritage, leisure and entertainment.

Centered around the cultural lineage of Jiangnan (region to the south of the lower reaches of the Yangtze River) water towns, the block features "10 Panlong Scenic Spots,"including the Poetry Bridge, Waterfront Village and Panlong Temple.

Here, visitors can admire traditional architecture and immerse themselves in the charm of Jiangnan culture, enjoying picturesque water town scenery that feels like stepping into a living painting.

Unlike traditional historical and cultural blocks, Panlong Tiandi incorporates many modern elements, such as equestrian riding, a pet-friendly park, art exhibitions, commercial hubs, urban camping, a skate park, flower valleys, a children's play center and hotels.

Currently, the block is home to 180 distinctive brands, including many first stores in Qingpu District, Shanghai, China and Asia, offering visitors a diverse selection of dining and shopping experiences.

Address: No 8, Lane 123, Dingyu Rd 鼎誉路123弄8号

Yumatou Canal Culture Food and Leisure Block, Qingjiangpu District, Huai'an City, Jiangsu Province

江苏淮安市清江浦区 御码头运河文化美食休闲街区

Ti Gong

The Yumatou Canal Culture Food and Leisure Block is situated at a crucial point within the Grand Canal National Cultural Park (Jiangsu section) and the world-class Grand Canal Heritage Corridor in Jiangsu Province.

As a core landmark of Huai'an City and the heart of its canal culture, the area has gradually evolved into a cultural and leisure destination that embodies the history of the Grand Canal, a UNESCO World Heritage site, as well as a must-go place for savoring Huaiyang cuisine, one of China's Four Great Culinary Traditions, which is known for its delicate knife skills, light and fresh flavors, and emphasis on seasonal ingredients.

The block integrates canal sightseeing, audiobooks, music appreciation, gourmet experiences, intangible cultural heritage activities, and recreational entertainment. It presents a dynamic urban space where canal culture and Huaiyang culinary traditions merge seamlessly.

Covering a total area of approximately 80,000 square meters, the block features several unique scenic spots and cultural landmarks. These include online audio platform Ximalaya's first offline bookstore in Jiangsu – "Himalaya Huai'an Most Beautiful Canal Bookstore," the nation's first IP-themed sound museum themed on Nobel Prize in Literature laureate Pearl S. Buck, who is noted for her novels of life in China, and the "Most Beautiful Fifth Space" – Music Time Station, which blends culture with smart technology.

Plus, the area hosts a variety of specialty events such as an intangible cultural heritage and creative market, and a camping coffee base.

Location: 40 meters west of the intersection of Yuehe Rd and Weibei Rd, Qingjiangpu District, Huai'an, Jiangsu Province

江苏省淮安市清江浦区越河路与圩北路交叉口西40米

How to get there: Take a high-speed rail from Shanghai to Huai'an East Railway Station. Head to the High-Speed Rail East Station bus stop and take the Fast Line 2 bus to the Ansheqiao East bus stop. From there, it's an 11-minute walk to the destination.

Xijin Ferry Historic and Cultural Block, Zhenjiang City, Jiangsu Province

江苏镇江市 西津渡历史文化街区

Ti Gong

The Xijin Ferry Historic and Cultural Block gets its name from its historical role as an ancient ferry. This function facilitated cultural exchanges between locals and visitors, leaving behind a rich cultural legacy.

With a history spanning over 1,400 years, it is the oldest, largest, and best-preserved ferry block in China and serves as a shred of significant historical evidence for studying the transportation history of the Yangtze River and the Grand Canal. The block boasts nearly 40 protected cultural relics.

In recognition of its cultural significance, the block was awarded the "UNESCO Asia-Pacific Award for Cultural Heritage Conservation" in 2001 and was designated a national 4A-level scenic spot in 2011.

The block perfectly integrates its ancient ferry culture with tourism, featuring various themed areas, such as the Music & Film Cultural Experience Zone, centered around live performances; the Creative & Intangible Cultural Heritage Experience Zone, highlighting traditional craftsmanship and cultural merchandise; and the Zhenjiang Folk Culture Experience Zone, offering local cuisine, cultural activities and entertainment.

Hosting over 200 cultural events annually, the block continuously innovates with new offerings that blend film, music, and performances with tourism, ensuring a dynamic and evolving leisure experience for visitors.

Address: 25 Xijindu Street, Runzhou District, Zhenjiang City, Jiangsu Province 江苏省镇江市润州区西津渡街25号

How to get there: Take a high-speed rail from Shanghai to Zhenjiang Railway Station. Then take a taxi to the block in an estimated 10 minutes.

Ziyang Street, Linhai City, Taizhou City, Zhejiang Province

浙江台州市 临海市紫阳街

Ti Gong

Ziyang Street stretches approximately 1,080 meters and extends into 25 smaller alleys, forming a grid-like urban landscape. As the most important commercial street in ancient Linhai, it has retained the neighborhood system layout from the Northern Song Dynasty (AD 960-1127).

Named after Zhang Boduan – the founder of the Southern Sect of Taoism – this historic street holds stories of many renowned figures, including Qi Jiguang, a famous general of the Ming Dynasty (AD 1338-1644), and Zhu Ziqing, a renowned Chinese poet and essayist. It preserves cultural landmarks such as Longxing Temple, Jinshan Pagoda Complex and Qianfo Well, making it a "living museum."

Ziyang Street carries the deep historical legacy of the ancient city of Linhai and is home to a wealth of cultural heritage. The area showcases more than 20 forms of intangible cultural heritage, including paper cutting, straw weaving, wooden pole scales and Huangsha lion dances.

Meanwhile, it embraces modern trends, introducing concept bookstores, cultural and creative centers, specialty cafés, and themed boutique inns. Every month, it hosts contemporary art exhibitions, theater performances, stand-up comedy shows, coffee culture festivals, and coffee markets, making it an ideal destination, especially for young people.

Address: Gucheng Jiayuan (southeast of Linhai Middle School), Linhai City, Taizhou, Zhejiang Province

浙江省台州市临海市古城家园(临海中学东南)

How to get there: Take a high-speed rail from Shanghai to Linhai Railway Station. Head to Linhai Railway Station Bus Station and take the Xiongchumo Line 1 bus to Xingshanmen Visitor Center Bus Stop. From there, it's a 4-minute walk to the destination.

Yangtze River Nightless City Tourism and Leisure Block, Yushan District, Ma'anshan City, Anhui Province

安徽·马鞍山市雨山区 长江不夜城旅游休闲街区

Ti Gong

The Yangtze River Nightless City Tourist and Leisure Block stands on the banks of the Yangtze River, adjacent to Caishi Ancient Town. It integrates the development vitality and cultural characteristics of the Yangtze River Delta, while featuring Ma'anshan's unique landscape, including its historical and cultural characteristics, folk customs, intangible cultural heritage, culture of Chinese poet Li Bai and century-old brands.

Through an integrated layout that includes a street, a scroll painting, a theme park, and four plazas, it showcases the cultural, natural, and historical heritage of the 11 provinces along the Yangtze River from multiple dimensions.

It also incorporates digital technology elements such as light and shadow shows, immersive parade performances, and virtual reality. Plus, it offers visitors a wide range of specialty cuisine, national-style performances, and family-friendly activities, while holding innovative events such as the fun bubble festival, rainbow run, and BBQ festival.

Address: 220 meters southwest of the intersection of Jiuhua Rd W. and Niuzhu Rd, Yushan District, Ma'anshan City, Anhui Province 安徽省马鞍山市雨山区九华西路与牛渚路交叉口西南220米

How to get there: Take a high-speed rail from Shanghai to Ma'anshan East Railway Station. Head to Ma'anshan East Bus Station and take the Line 4 bus to Jiuhua Street Bus Station. From there, it's a 3-minute walk to the destination.