On December 12, the local administration and Dongfang Jianqiao, a local commercial complex, teamed up to host the subdistrict’s first Neighborhood Festival. The event drew a crowd of over a hundred residents.

The festival showcased a captivating collection of vintage items, including enamel mugs, 28-inch-wheeled bicycles, and black-and-white televisions. Displayed on the B1 level of Dongfang Jianqiao, these items transported visitors back to simpler times. Recreations of 1980s and 1990s-era barber shops, supply cooperatives, and other local stores had visitors lining up for photos and selfies.

The outdoor Market of Time was equally popular, offering visitors a variety of experiences, from exploring intangible cultural heritage to sampling delicious food and participating in interactive activities. The market highlighted the rich local culture of Jianqiao. The Liming Residential Complex stall, for example, showcasing 18 locally grown medicinal herbs.

Artistic performances were another highlight of the festival. A local TV personality hosted the event, using his familiar Hangzhou dialect to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. A neighborhood banquet brought everyone together with a feast of local delicacies like Dongpo Pork, fish ball soup, and crystal fish jelly. As residents sat together, sharing food and stories, a sense of community and nostalgia filled the air. “I can’t remember the last time I shared a meal and had a chat with so many neighbors,” said Wang Shuifu, a native of Jianqiao and Chairman of XIZI UHC. “It feels like a nostalgic journey back to my childhood. It’s really heartwarming.”

Located near Hangzhoudong Railway Station, Dongfang Jianqiao is a 130,000-square-meter commercial complex developed by XIZI UHC. It offers a diverse range of amenities, including dining, entertainment, a cinema, children’s facilities, and healthcare services. Dongfang Jianqiao will continue to host various events to strengthen community ties and make the neighborhood a better place for everyone.