Standout architecture in Tunxi ancient town, China's Anhui

（CRI Online）  13:33, February 05, 2013  

In Anhui Province's mountain city of Huangshan lies the historic district of Tunxi. As a UNESCO World Heritage site, Tunxi Ancient Street was once the central focal point of Huangshan. Today it retains much of its original character. Pedestrian lanes are lined on all sides with well-preserved examples of classic Hui architecture. Views of the sky are marvelous, as bordered by the rhythmic forms of the ancient structures.

The town of Tunxi originated in the Song Dynasty, shortly after the turn of the 10th century. Many residences on Tunxi Ancient Street have survived since the Ming and Qing dynasties, though most have had their ground levels converted into shops selling various products such as ink stones, antiques or decorative bamboo scrolls that were the precursors to books in China. Some of the stores have been in operation for more than a hundred years, passed down through the generations.